Federal Medicaid Chief Dr. Oz Backs DeWine Amid Republican Fraud Allegations
Dr. Mehmet Oz backs Governor DeWine’s Medicaid management as Republican challengers allege widespread fraud in Ohio’s home healthcare program.
DUBLIN, OHIO — Federal Medicaid administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz expressed support for Governor Mike DeWine’s management of Ohio’s Medicaid program during a Tuesday event, as other prominent Republicans continue to accuse the governor of allowing widespread fraud in home healthcare services.
The allegations, which remain unproven, center on Ohio’s home and community-based services program that allows aging, sick, or disabled individuals to receive state-funded care while remaining in their homes. DeWine has defended the program throughout the past week.
“You keep people in their home where they want to be,” DeWine said of the Medicaid waiver programs that serve qualified recipients based on their specific needs.
Republican Critics Challenge Program Oversight
Vivek Ramaswamy, who is running to replace DeWine as governor, has led criticism of the current administration’s Medicaid oversight. During a recent press conference focused on how he would “crush” Medicaid fraud, Ramaswamy claimed there were “individuals who are defrauding the system, claiming to work while not actually working.”
Ohio Senate President Rob McColley and Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman joined Ramaswamy in alleging potential widespread fraud. The trio claimed some home healthcare providers receiving Medicaid payments are not fulfilling their job responsibilities.
The fraud allegations emerged following a story published by The Daily Wire, a conservative outlet, though the claims remain unsubstantiated.
Federal-State Cooperation Emphasized
Oz, who serves as administrator for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, acknowledged room for improvement while supporting DeWine’s approach. “We believe Ohio, as almost every state, can do a better job with the guardrails around home health care,” Oz said during the Dublin event.
The federal administrator highlighted the need for appropriate oversight of family caregiver arrangements. “We don’t want everybody hiring their kids to carry the groceries up the stairs, nor driving everyone to the doctor’s office for a visit,” Oz explained.
Under current regulations, family members living with qualifying Medicaid recipients can become paid caregivers. These individuals must pass background checks, complete required training hours, and work with accredited Medicaid providers. Some programs compensate family caregivers up to $1,800 monthly.
Administration Cites Fraud Prevention Record
DeWine and his administration have consistently denied any widespread fraud issues, pointing to their enforcement record as evidence of proper oversight. The governor’s team cited nearly 1,100 Medicaid fraud convictions secured since DeWine took office in 2019.
The home and community-based services program offers various waiver options designed to meet different patient needs while maintaining Medicaid eligibility requirements. These services represent an alternative to institutional care for qualifying individuals.
As the political debate continues, federal and state officials stress the importance of maintaining program integrity while ensuring vulnerable populations receive necessary care in their preferred home settings.
