House Republicans are looking to the top watchdog at the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate suspected Medicare fraud schemes in California that mirror the taxpayer theft in Minnesota.

The nonprofit use of “in lieu of services” means it can continue to provide its residents with a host of social services.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and Bill Essayli, a Los Angeles-based prosecutor, said they were investigating federally funded services.

Fake student applications, Medicaid for illegal immigrants, and profligate food programs could make California the next target for federal scrutiny over allegations of benefit fraud.

. There are more than 450 Medicare Advantage plans available in California. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Medicare sold by private insurance companies. It offers ...