Government programs like Medicare and Medicaid provide essential healthcare services to millions of Americans. These programs, however, face significant challenges in the form of fraudulent activities. Due to their nature as open-ended entitlements, distinguishing between outright scams and aggressive billing practices can be complex.

On June 4, 2026, U.S. Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz, alongside Vice President JD Vance, addressed the issue of fraud during a press conference. The discussion focused on the recent ‘anti-fraud initiatives’ aimed at combatting deceptive practices within these healthcare services.

In the words of Mehmet Oz, “the full weight of the federal government is going after healthcare fraudsters—protecting American families and patients.” His assertion highlights the seriousness with which the federal government is approaching this problem. According to Oz, an estimated $100 billion in annual fraud occurs in Medicaid alone.

Demonstrating the efforts underway, Oz’s agency has recently shut down 800 Los Angeles-based hospices accused of providing sham services. These facilities received a staggering $1.4 billion in payments last year, indicating the scale of fraudulent activities being tackled.

The fight against healthcare fraud remains a priority for the administration, with ongoing measures to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and accurately within these essential programs.