DOGE targets Medicare agency, looking for fraud
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is making waves in the world of government oversight, as they collaborate with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to crack down on potential fraud within the healthcare system. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, DOGE has gained access to payment and contracting systems in search of irregularities that could indicate fraudulent activity.
While DOGE has already made significant changes at USAID, Musk believes that Medicare and Medicaid are where the real “big money fraud” is taking place. With CMS overseeing these crucial healthcare programs that provide coverage to over 140 million Americans, the stakes are high in ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and ethically.
CMS regularly deals with improper payments that may be a result of fraud, abuse, or simply administrative errors. Musk and his team are determined to root out any wrongdoing and streamline these systems for greater efficiency and transparency.
Recent actions by DOGE have raised eyebrows, as they targeted USAID, leading to the dismissal of 50 top officials and the organization being absorbed into the State Department. Musk referred to USAID as a “viper’s nest” and took control of the agency’s computer systems and operations. This move came on the heels of Secretary of State Marco Rubio pausing all U.S. foreign assistance funded through USAID and the State Department, in line with President Trump’s directive to prioritize American interests.
The impact of these changes has been felt globally, with thousands of humanitarian and development programs grinding to a halt and aid organizations forced to lay off staff due to funding uncertainties. The crackdown on foreign aid spending is part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and effectively.
As DOGE continues its work to uncover fraud and inefficiencies within government agencies, the focus remains on accountability and transparency. By targeting key areas like Medicare, Medicaid, and foreign aid, Musk and his team are reshaping the landscape of government oversight and working to restore public trust in how taxpayer dollars are spent.
