DOGE Examines Medicare, Medicaid Waste Amid Federal Spending Cuts

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and his team, has intensified its scrutiny of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), focusing on potential fraud and waste within the agency, which oversees approximately $1.5 trillion in health spending. DOGE representatives, including political appointees with previous CMS experience, have been given read-only access to CMS systems to evaluate technology and funds without altering sensitive data. This effort has raised concerns among CMS staff about the extent of DOGE’s access and intentions, as they embark on a mission to reduce government spending and restructure agencies in line with the Trump administration's agenda. Meanwhile, the agency is also examining other federal entities for spending cuts, prompting legal challenges and political backlash as its actions continue to disrupt federal operations. Critics have voiced apprehension regarding the potential implications for health care services and regulatory oversight. The ongoing restructuring efforts have sparked a broader debate on government efficiency and accountability in managing public resources.