DOGE investigates fraud at Medicare agency

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is actively investigating potential fraud within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). DOGE has gained read-only access to key payment and contracting systems at CMS, which oversees Medicare and Medicaid programs impacting over 140 million Americans. Musk has claimed that the majority of significant fraud occurs in these programs and has previously targeted USAID, resulting in major staff layoffs. The review aims to identify inefficiencies and cut excessive federal spending, a mission aligned with President Trump's directives. However, DOGE representatives have not been granted access to databases containing personal health information of enrollees. CMS leadership is collaborating with DOGE to find opportunities for improved spending efficiency.