Trump Expands Medicaid Fraud Crackdown to Florida as “Hotspot” State

The administration of Donald Trump has expanded its nationwide push against Medicaid fraud, turning its focus to Florida as part of a broader effort to combat abuse within federal healthcare programs. On Tuesday, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz called on Florida officials to provide detailed information on how the state identifies, prevents, and prosecutes fraud within its Medicaid system. Florida becomes at least the fifth state targeted under this initiative, following similar outreach to New York, Minnesota, Maine, and California. The move signals a growing federal effort to tackle what the administration describes as widespread fraud, waste, and abuse. Notably, the request to Florida — led by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis — marks the first time the initiative has been directed at a Republican-controlled state, highlighting the administration’s message that enforcement will apply regardless of political leadership. The development comes shortly after Trump signed an executive order establishing a federal anti-fraud task force across benefit programs, led by Vice President JD Vance. The administration has intensified these efforts amid growing voter concerns over affordability ahead of the upcoming elections. In a statement shared on social media, Oz described Florida as a long-standing “hotspot” for healthcare fraud and urged state leaders to strengthen cooperation with federal authorities. He pointed to previous large-scale fraud schemes in both Medicare and Medicaid that resulted in criminal charges, emphasizing the need for greater oversight. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded publicly, citing a recent Medicaid fraud arrest and expressing support for federal collaboration. “The Medicaid system is overwhelmed with fraud and abuse, and we look forward to working with Dr. Oz on these issues,” he stated. CMS has given Florida officials 30 days to respond to a series of detailed questions regarding their oversight and enforcement practices. Meanwhile, enforcement actions have already been taken elsewhere. Last month, CMS temporarily halted Medicaid payments to Minnesota over fraud concerns — a move criticized by Governor Tim Walz as politically motivated. Federal officials indicated that funding would resume only after the state implements a comprehensive corrective plan. In a separate measure, CMS also announced a six-month freeze on new Medicare enrollments for certain medical equipment suppliers, including those providing prosthetics and rehabilitation devices, in an effort to curb suspected improper billing practices.