Cutler: ‘Operation Gold Rush’ Shows Need for Medicare Fraud Safeguards in PA

7/2/2025

HARRISBURG – After the announcement of indictments from the “Operation Gold Rush” operation conducted by the United States Justice Department, Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) says the time is now for Pennsylvania to improve safeguards for the people of Pennsylvania against Medicare fraud.

“The announcement from federal officials this Monday about Operation Gold Rush came with startling statistics. This was an alleged $10.6 billion fraud scheme that was perpetrated for two years and included fraudulent claims to Medicare for over 1 billion urinary catheters, which targeted over 400,000 Americans.

According to federal officials, criminal charges were laid against 324 defendants, including 96 doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other licensed medical professionals across the nation for their alleged part in health care fraud schemes involving over $14.6 billion in intended loss.

“The time is now for us as the state legislature to work together and give our officials the tools they need to combat any Medicare fraud in Pennsylvania. In the end, these fraudsters are stealing the taxpayer’s money when they successfully pull off schemes like this. If we can get the package the House Republican Caucus has proposed passed, it will go a long way to stopping Medicare fraud in Pennsylvania.”

The House Republican Caucus introduced a series of bills, called the Program Integrity and Innovation package, to combat fraud in Pennsylvania. The comprehensive plan would guarantee Medicare funds are used for the people who truly need assistance and would ensure taxpayer dollars are used to fund the priorities of Pennsylvanians instead of being used fraudulently or misspent.

Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Joe Szymanski
717-808-4961
jszymanski@pahousegop.com
www.repcutler.com/ www.facebook.com/repbryancutler