The municipality of Rotterdam has made great strides in the first year of the Action Plan for Prevention and Approach to Healthcare Fraud in combating misuse of healthcare funds. Of the sixteen planned actions, thirteen have now started. And this year, more than €120,000 in incorrectly declared care has been reclaimed.

The approach to healthcare fraud has become more visible, better organized, and more effective, with a strong emphasis on prevention, supervision, and cooperation within the chain. Healthcare funds are intended for Rotterdam residents who need them, says alderman Ronald Buijt of Care, Elderly and Youth Care. There is no place for fraudsters in Rotterdam.

Cooperation needed

Healthcare fraud in the Social Support Act (Wmo) and Youth Act is complex and often difficult to detect because information is spread across many parties and fraudulent providers deliberately try to evade detection. Rotterdam therefore explicitly chooses cooperation with health insurers, regional municipalities, supervisors, and national partners. The action plan acts as a flywheel for a broader, structural approach.

Healthcare funds are intended for Rotterdam residents who need them. There is no place for fraudsters in Rotterdam.

Prevention at the front end

In 2025, significant efforts were made to close the ‘front door’. In addition, the municipality conducts spot checks on actually delivered Wmo and youth care. For example, 123 PGB quality assessments were carried out, of which 62 providers did not meet the minimum requirements. Later this year, this assessment will take place before care is provided. Information provision to Rotterdam residents has also improved, among other things through letters, digital flyers, and information sessions at general practitioners offices. This effort will continue in 2026.

Much money reclaimed

This year, the municipality has checked over 2,000 files for legality. More than €120,000 in incorrectly declared care has been reclaimed. In total, after fraud investigations, nearly €194,000 in claims have been recorded. In addition, six investigation reports have been made public to increase transparency and achieve a deterrent effect. In 2026, the focus will be on deepening and sustaining the approach and further improving recovery processes. The council emphasizes that tackling healthcare fraud is a long-term effort.

Leader in tackling healthcare fraud

Rotterdam is among the frontrunners in tackling healthcare fraud. Municipalities from the rest of the region show great interest in the policy. Therefore, on Thursday, February 12, Rotterdam organized a regional conference at De Kuip to share knowledge and intensify cooperation with regional municipalities.

Read the Action Plan for Prevention and Approach to Healthcare Fraud 2024 - 2027. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab. (PDF) here.