Lawmakers spar over Medicare, Medicaid fraud in California, Minnesota

(The Center Square) – Leaders in the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services called out California recipients for fraudulently taking advantage of the state’s healthcare programs.

Kim Brandt, deputy administrator of the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services, testified before Congress on Tuesday about the investigation of fraudulent activity in California and across the country. She said CMS found one residential home in California that received $36,000 per month for healthcare services that were never rendered.

“The conditions were appalling,” Brandt said. “Unclean living conditions, moldy food, and most importantly, no caregivers present.”

Lawmakers pointed to prominent examples of fraudulent activity in Minnesota, California and Florida. Rep. Tom Joyce, R-Penn., called for stronger guardrails against Medicare and Medicaid fraud in the United States. He said states should be able to determine spending, but with oversight from the federal government.

“While stat...