Fraud by program in Iowa
| Program | Announcements | More |
|---|---|---|
| PPP/EIDL | 6 | All PPP/EIDL cases |
| Unemployment | 3 | All Unemployment cases |
| Medicaid | 2 | All Medicaid cases |
| Social Security | 1 | All Social Security cases |
| Other federal program | 1 |
Where to report fraud in Iowa
| Type of fraud | Report to |
|---|---|
| Medicaid provider fraud | Medicaid Fraud Control Unit · Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), Investigations Division (not the Attorney General) · 515-281-7086 |
| SNAP, child care assistance, cash assistance | Iowa HHS – Report Abuse & Fraud (member / public assistance fraud) |
| Unemployment benefits | Iowa Workforce Development – Reporting Fraud |
| Medicare and other HHS programs | HHS-OIG · 1-800-HHS-TIPS |
| Any WHIP-covered federal program, if you want a reward | America.gov/fraud (how to submit) |
Whistleblower rewards in Iowa
| Program | What it pays | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa False Claims Act Covers all state funds | 15–25% if the state proceeds (max 10% if based primarily on public disclosures); 25–30% if the state does not proceed (Iowa Code § 685.3(4)) | Iowa Code ch. 685 (§§ 685.1–685.7) |
| Federal WHIP | $10,000–$30,000 per tip that leads to criminal charges | DOJ terms |
| Federal False Claims Act | 15–25% of the recovery if the government intervenes; 25–30% if not | 31 U.S.C. § 3730(d) |
MFCU sits in DIAL, not the AG, and has no prosecutorial authority. DIAL's page sends Medicaid provider and public-assistance fraud tips to Iowa HHS, which refers cases to DIAL.
Estimate federal awards for your case with the calculator, or compare programs in WHIP vs the False Claims Act.
Latest announcements
Source: U.S. Department of Justice press releases, classified by WHIP Reward. Each row is one press release; the same case can appear at several stages, so amounts should not be added. Charged cases are allegations. Search all 13 in the database.
Frequently asked questions
How do I report Medicaid fraud in Iowa?
Report provider fraud to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), Investigations Division (not the Attorney General)), or to the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS. To be eligible for a federal WHIP award, also submit the tip in writing at America.gov/fraud.
Does Iowa pay whistleblowers?
Yes. Under the Iowa False Claims Act (Iowa Code ch. 685 (§§ 685.1–685.7)), a whistleblower who files a case receives 15–25% if the state proceeds (max 10% if based primarily on public disclosures); 25–30% if the state does not proceed (Iowa Code § 685.3(4)). Federal programs (WHIP and the federal False Claims Act) apply as well.
How many fraud cases has the DOJ announced in Iowa?
13 announcements since January 20, 2025 in our database, counting each press release separately (a case can appear at charge, plea and sentencing). 9 of them announced a sentence.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Justice: Whistleblower Rewards Program
- oig.hhs.gov/fraud/medicaid-fraud-control-units-mfcu/files/contact-directors.pdf
- dial.iowa.gov/i-need/report/medicaid-public-assistance-fraud
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/685.pdf
- legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/685.3.pdf
- oig.hhs.gov/fraud/state-false-claims-act-reviews
- hhs.iowa.gov/report-abuse-fraud
- workforce.iowa.gov/unemployment/fraud
- U.S. Department of Justice press releases (justice.gov/news)