The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a major operation in New York City, targeting Medicaid fraud at senior care centers. Dr. Mehmet Oz, accompanied by federal officials, led the investigation. The effort included delivering warning letters and interrogating employees at two facilities suspected of fraud.
Operations at Senior Care Centers
Dr. Oz visited Kent Senior Care and Evergreen Adult Day Care in Queens, spotlighting concerns over their billing practices. Federal authorities, including the FBI and the NYPD, supported the crackdown.
Oz expressed suspicion over inflated bills and questioned discrepancies in occupancy and transportation charges. His team noted billing records that suggested higher occupancy than observed.
Details of the Visits
At Kent Senior Care, Oz challenged the accuracy of the facility’s Medicaid billing, specifically the number of attendees and services billed. The director’s explanations failed to convince Oz, who criticized the billing for activities like mahjong, questioning their necessity.
Evergreen Adult Day Care also came under scrutiny. Oz questioned attendance numbers and billing related to wheelchair transportation. He cited discrepancies between reported numbers and those observed during the visit.
Broader Concerns and Allegations
Oz alleged connections between Medicaid fraud and organized crime, claiming spikes in fraudulent billing potentially linked to criminal enterprises. He criticized the misuse of taxpayer dollars and suggested fraud extends beyond the visited facilities.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul acknowledged the crackdown as part of efforts to combat Medicaid fraud and abuse. State health officials are collaborating with federal agencies in this operation.
The investigation, which involves multiple agencies, is ongoing. Authorities have yet to release comprehensive details.
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