TALLAHASSEE, Fla. \u2013 Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a new initiative aimed at cracking down on fraud \u2014 Medicaid fraud, more specifically.<\/p>\n
He discussed the crackdown on Friday in West Palm Beach, claiming that the move will strengthen oversight and potentially prevent fraud before it even happens.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, we announced major actions to strengthen the integrity of Florida\u2019s Medicaid program and crack down on fraud,\u201d he stated. \u201cIn Florida, we work to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and that public programs serve the people they are intended to serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Per DeSantis, Medicaid fraud has become a growing national concern, with major fraud investigations being reported in other states.<\/p>\n
[RELATED: News 6 investigation into mysterious mail prompts fraud arrest]<\/p>\n
In response, the Trump Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have reportedly called on states to increase their own oversight of the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Medicaid program exists to meet the health care needs of pregnant women, children, seniors, and some of our most vulnerable populations,\u201d said Secretary Shevaun Harris of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. \u201cEvery dollar stolen through fraudulent schemes is one less dollar available to meet the needs of those who rely on the program most. That\u2019s why we are working harder than ever to make sure the right people get the care they need, and everyone trying to exploit this program will be stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n
In Florida, we work to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and that public programs serve the people they are intended to serve. That means holding government accountable and rooting out fraud wherever it exists.<\/p>\n
With the Medicaid integrity initiative I announced\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/jbRQNMrwTA<\/a><\/p>\n