Dr. Mehmet Oz issued a call to governors across the country to take immediate action to address what he described as widespread Medicaid fraud, warning that billions of taxpayer dollars are being diverted away from vulnerable Americans.

“Governors, I'm calling on you to act now,” Oz said. He added, “Fraudsters and other bad actors are draining Medicaid funds, costing taxpayers billions every year.”

According to Oz, the impact extends beyond financial losses.

“Worse, it's taking resources away from the people who need them the most, our seniors, our children and Americans with disabilities,” he said.

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Oz emphasized that fraudulent activity within the system can have direct consequences for patient care.

“This steals people's health as well, and in some cases, even their lives,” he said.

At the center of his proposal is a push to strengthen oversight of providers participating in Medicaid.

“Here's the bottom line, it's time to make sure that providers of high risk services are valid and meet all the requirements to deliver care to Medicaid beneficiaries,” Oz said.

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He noted that some states have not updated verification processes in years.

“Now, for some states, this is years overdue,” he said.

Oz called for immediate action rather than waiting for longer-term reforms.

“So don't wait for a long term plan that's coming, but it's not a substitute for action today,” he said.

He then outlined a timeline for states to respond.

“Within 10 business days, the American people need to know, will you move forward with making sure the providers are revalidated and can be trusted with the care of our most vulnerable citizens,” Oz said. He added that additional details should follow shortly after.

“And in 30 days, they need to know what's your timeline and what's your scope,” he said.

Oz pointed to the role of state governments in administering Medicaid and identifying risks.

“Since Medicaid is administered by the states, you know where the risks are highest,” he said.

He urged officials to examine oversight gaps.

“Where are the providers operating with Weaker Oversight?” Oz asked.

He provided an example, referencing providers “without national provider identifiers.”

“These are the gaps that criminals, including foreign nationals, exploit,” Oz said.

He argued that requiring revalidation of providers would help address those vulnerabilities.

“Revalidation works,” he said.

“It forces accountability, it removes bad actors, and it sends a clear message, the Medicaid system is not an unguarded piggy bank.”

Oz also stressed that states already have authority to define and regulate high-risk providers.

“States have the authority to define high risk providers,” he said. He added that federal support is available to assist with enforcement and compliance efforts.

“CMS expects you to provide those most vulnerable to abuse, and my team is ready to help in any way possible,” Oz said.

He concluded by emphasizing cooperation between different levels of government.

“We'll provide technical support every step of the way,” Oz said.

He added, “This is a shared responsibility, state and federal partners working together to protect Medicaid and the Americans it serves.”

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