The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to federal healthcare payment systems to root out what Elon Musk calls ‘big money’ fraud and waste in Medicare and Medicaid. With trillions of dollars in government spending at stake, DOGE’s findings could have major implications for taxpayers.
Key Facts:
- Elon Musk’s DOGE now has read-only access to Medicare and Medicaid payment and contracting data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
- CMS, which has 6,710 employees, disbursed $1.5 trillion in fiscal year 2024—22% of total federal spending.
- In 2023, the U.S. Government Accountability Office identified over $100 billion in improper Medicare and Medicaid payments.
- DOGE has also accessed Treasury Department systems and held meetings at the Labor Department as part of broader efforts to cut federal spending.
- Musk has pledged to slash $1-2 trillion from the federal budget, targeting wasteful spending across multiple agencies.
BEAT THE CENSORS, GET OUR FREE ‘MORNING NEWSWIRE’ AND NEVER MISS A STORY
The Rest of The Story:
Elon Musk’s DOGE is now working alongside CMS to identify fraudulent payments within Medicare and Medicaid, which cover more than 140 million Americans.
While DOGE’s access is currently limited to payment and contracting data, CMS has confirmed the collaboration is in line with President Trump’s broader efficiency goals.
Musk wasted no time making his mission clear, stating on social media that government healthcare programs are a major source of financial fraud.
His concerns are backed by federal data showing tens of billions in improper payments every year.
An estimated $100 billion in estimated improper payments were made in the Medicare and Medicaid programs in Fiscal Year 2023.
This is 43% of government-wide improper payments that year.
Source: https://t.co/udNwAVf3PS pic.twitter.com/wb9MO6Aj7K
— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) November 27, 2024
However, DOGE has not yet gained access to databases containing personal health information of enrollees.
Beyond CMS, DOGE is expanding its investigation into other agencies, including the Treasury Department and the Department of Labor.
At USAID, all employees have reportedly been placed on leave, signaling the aggressive approach DOGE is taking to streamline government operations.
Yeah, this is where the big money fraud is happening https://t.co/jXqXrlKDGp
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 5, 2025
Commentary:
If there’s one thing most Americans can agree on, it’s that government waste and fraud are out of control.
The Medicare and Medicaid systems handle enormous sums of taxpayer money, and the fact that over $100 billion in improper payments were made in just one year shows the urgent need for reform.
BEAT THE CENSORS, GET OUR FREE ‘MORNING NEWSWIRE’ AND NEVER MISS A STORY
For too long, fraudsters—both inside and outside the government—have exploited these programs with little accountability.
If Musk’s team can pinpoint the worst offenders, it could save taxpayers billions and ensure funds go to those who truly need them.
Critics may argue that a private-sector figure like Musk shouldn’t have a role in federal spending oversight.
But given the entrenched bureaucracy in Washington, fresh eyes from outside government might be exactly what’s needed.
The deep state isn’t known for self-policing, and Musk’s team has the resources and expertise to follow the money.
Beyond Medicare and Medicaid, DOGE’s expansion into Treasury and Labor suggests that wasteful spending may be far broader than just healthcare.
If they uncover massive fraud elsewhere, it will only reinforce the need for aggressive spending cuts across the board.
The real question is what happens once fraud is exposed.
Will government officials be held accountable?
Will corrupt contractors be prosecuted?
Or will bureaucratic inertia protect those responsible?
If Musk’s team is serious, those caught defrauding taxpayers—whether inside or outside government—should face the harshest legal consequences possible.
The Bottom Line:
Medicare and Medicaid fraud is a massive problem, and DOGE’s investigation could finally shine a light on just how deep it runs.
If successful, Musk’s initiative could save taxpayers billions and force accountability in a system long plagued by waste.
However, rooting out fraud is just the first step—real consequences for those responsible will be the true test of success.
BEAT THE CENSORS, GET OUR FREE ‘MORNING NEWSWIRE’ AND NEVER MISS A STORY
Read Next
– During Her First Day in Office AG Bondi Moves to Undo Some of Biden’s Pardons
– Democrats Invade Speakers Office, Confront Mike Johnson, “Aggressive” And “Unhinged”
