Medicaid fraud enforcement faces scrutiny in New York and Nevada

Medicaid fraud enforcement and oversight are facing scrutiny in both New York and Nevada. In New York, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) has seen a decline in key performance metrics despite a significant increase in state Medicaid spending. Between 2019 and 2024, audits decreased by 62 percent, inflation-adjusted recoveries fell by 27 percent, and total referrals dropped by 44 percent. During this same period, New York’s Medicaid spending rose from $72 billion to $101 billion.

In Nevada, Medicaid fraud has become a central issue in the gubernatorial race. Political advertisements have accused Attorney General Aaron Ford of failing to prosecute alleged fraud cases. While Ford has claimed his office secured more than $40 million in criminal restitution, officials noted that the state has not yet collected the full amount. National trends show increased federal scrutiny of Medicaid programs, including the deferral of payments to states like California and Minnesota as part of broader anti-fraud efforts.