AP report: Trump administration admits a glaring error in its New York health fraud accusations

Key Points:

• Dr. Mehmet Oz, CMS administrator, incorrectly claimed that New York's Medicaid personal care services covered 5 million people last year, nearly three-fourths of enrollees, while the actual figure was about 450,000, or 6-7% of enrollees.
• CMS acknowledged the error, attributing it to a misinterpretation of New York's billing codes, and is continuing its fraud investigation into the state's Medicaid program due to concerns about oversight and high spending.
• New York officials and advocates criticized Oz's statements as misleading, emphasizing the state's commitment to robust at-home care and stringent program requirements, including eligibility screening for personal care services.
• The Medicaid fraud probe in New York is part of a broader federal crackdown on multiple states, led by an anti-fraud task force established by former President Trump, which has included funding freezes and legal challenges.
• Personal care service recipients, like Kathleen Downes, criticized Oz's characterization of these services as tasks families normally perform, highlighting the essential and professional nature of the care provided to those with significant disabilities.