Story perspectives

Dr. Oz Slams NY Medicaid for $1.2 Billion Fraud

2/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a US regulator, criticized New York's $124 billion Medicaid program for fraud and waste, claiming it harms taxpayers and vulnerable individuals.
His office is investigating the program, which serves 6.8 million New Yorkers, following audits that revealed $196 million in losses from a transportation program and $1.2 billion from scams.
In response, Governor Kathy Hochul's office defended the program, citing reforms that saved over $2 billion in the past year and urged Oz to address healthcare cuts by Washington Republicans.

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Story summary

Dr. Mehmet Oz, a US regulator, criticized New York's $124 billion Medicaid program for fraud and waste, claiming it harms taxpayers and vulnerable individuals.
His office is investigating the program, which serves 6.8 million New Yorkers, following audits that revealed $196 million in losses from a transportation program and $1.2 billion from scams.
In response, Governor Kathy Hochul's office defended the program, citing reforms that saved over $2 billion in the past year and urged Oz to address healthcare cuts by Washington Republicans.