Trump’s Math Behind Medicaid Fraud Claims Doesn’t Add Up — Literally

An administration official admitted to the Associated Press that the Trump administration miscounted by millions the number of people in New York receiving care through home and community-based services (HCBS). Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) head Dr. Mehmet Oz claimed five million people received home care, but the actual number is around 450,000. This estimation error is significant as Congress passed nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts last year, and the administration's actions suggest more cuts could be coming. CMS deputy administrator Kimberly Brandt previously stated the agency's "fraud war room" uses AI to detect alleged Medicare and Medicaid fraud, specifically targeting increased HCBS billing in New York and California. CMS spokesman Chris Krepich stated the agency is committed to ensuring its analyses reflect state-specific billing practices and will work with New York to validate data.