Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

CMS Expands Medicaid Fraud Probe to Florida, First GOP-Led State Targeted

The move signals the administration’s willingness to pursue fraud enforcement regardless of party control.

Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks during a news conference in the Old Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Tom Brenner)
Image
Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Mehmet Oz speaks about combatting fraud, at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington, DC, on February 25, 2026. Donald Trump said on February 24 that he was appointing Vice President JD Vance to lead a "war on fraud" as he railed against alleged abuses of government benefits in Democratic-controlled states -- particularly Minnesota. (Photo by Oliver Contreras / AFP via Getty Images)
Image

Overview

  • CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz sent Florida officials a letter labeling the state a healthcare fraud hotspot and gave them 30 days to detail their oversight efforts.
  • Oz cited “horrifying” durable medical equipment schemes in Florida, as CMS maintains a six‑month halt on new DME, prosthetics and orthotics supplier enrollments and reports blocking $1.5 billion in suspected 2025 DME billing.
  • President Trump just created a federal anti‑fraud task force led by Vice President J.D. Vance, and House Energy and Commerce investigators have sought records from multiple states in parallel inquiries.
  • CMS recently froze about $260 million in Minnesota Medicaid payments pending a comprehensive corrective plan, a move now being challenged by the state in court.
  • Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ chief of staff Jason Weida pledged cooperation and a zero‑tolerance stance, while researchers and advocates warn aggressive actions could restrict access to Home and Community‑Based Services.