Overview
Operating as a division within the Office of the State Auditor, the Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI) is charged with investigating allegations of public assistance fraud throughout the Commonwealth. The work of BSI fraud examiners ensures taxpayer dollars used to fund Massachusetts’ public benefits programs are managed effectively so that programs are available to residents who truly need them.
Pursuant to M.G.L. c.11, §17, BSI’s investigative authority extends to any assistance program administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Division of Medical Assistance, which administers MassHealth (the state’s Medicaid program). Although the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is not included in BSI’s enabling statute, BSI also works with EEC through a Memorandum of Understanding. As a result of BSI’s investigations, public assistance fraud cases are: referred to agencies for administrative action; fraudulent overpayments are recovered through civil agreements; individuals are disqualified from programs for specified periods of time; and, cases are prosecuted in state and federal courts.
BSI fraud examiners operate from five offices across the Commonwealth. BSI consists of three separate investigative units: the Central Processing Unit; the MassHealth, Department of Transitional Assistance, and Early Education and Care Unit; and the Data Analytics Unit. While each unit has its own specific concentration, there is extensive cross-unit collaboration, and investigations often involve overlap. BSI also participates in joint investigations and task forces with other state and federal agencies that focus on combating fraudulent activities throughout the Commonwealth. BSI cases may be settled through civil recoupment or criminal prosecution, but BSI does not collect settlement payments of any kind; the individual benefit programs are responsible for collection activities related to BSI cases.
During Quarter 1 of fiscal year 2024, BSI investigated a total of 1,768 cases. Of these, 120 were completed with fraud identified. Further detail regarding these 120 cases may be found below.
Summary of Investigations Completed with Fraud Identified
[1] BSI is unable to report on monthly collections or circumstances that produce shortfalls in collections.
Additional Resources
Contact for Bureau of Special Investigations First Quarter Report - Fiscal Year 2024
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| Date published: | April 8, 2024 |
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| Last updated: | April 8, 2024 |