Reported October 20, 2026: The Justice Department launched the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP). DOJ says eligible tips that lead to criminal charges may receive $10,000 to $30,000, at DOJ’s discretion. Federal healthcare offenses are covered, and submissions involving home health care, hospice, day care and special-services fraud are priorities. Awards come after charges—not merely after a complaint.

DomAfina’s take: assume a worker with credible evidence can go outside the agency quickly. Make the internal path easier and safer: name an independent intake owner, allow confidential reports, acknowledge receipt, preserve EVV, scheduling, authorization and billing records, and prohibit retaliation. Set escalation deadlines and have counsel direct the investigation. A hotline nobody trusts is only decoration; a documented response is a control.

Source reviewed: U.S. Department of Justice: Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program. The source supports the reported update; the operational recommendations are DomAfina’s analysis.