Crackdown on Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

The issue of fraud within Medicare and Medicaid programs has become a pressing concern. Recent statements from Mehmet Oz, the U.S. Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, highlight the government’s efforts to tackle this issue. During a press conference on May 13, 2026, Oz, alongside Vice President JD Vance, discussed ‘anti-fraud initiatives’ aimed at combating fraudulent activities.

The programs in question function as open-ended entitlements, which makes distinguishing outright scams from aggressive yet routine billing practices challenging. Oz has estimated that annually, Medicaid alone sees fraud amounting to $100 billion.

In a significant move, the agency terminated 800 hospices based in Los Angeles for allegedly receiving $1.4 billion last year for providing sham services. This action reflects the commitment to ensure that healthcare resources are used appropriately, benefiting American families and patients.