Maine Governor Janet Mills is responding to a video from Federal CMS administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz that criticized the state’s Medicaid program and demanded answers.
Oz referenced a federal report last month that listed $45 million in potential improper payments for autism services in Maine’s Medicaid program.
Oz said Somali fraudsters in Minnesota stole millions from a similar program, and they’re seeing the same red flags in Maine.
Mills says Maine is under political attack, and the administration is using allegations of fraud as a pretense to send weaponized federal agents into states led by Democrats.
She also defended her actions to combat fraud as governor and previously attorney general. “I have always cracked down on criminals and held accountable anyone who engages in fraud or abuse,” said Mills.
Meanwhile, Republican state lawmakers will hold a news conference Tuesday to address the federal allegations against Maine.
The state HHS said the federal report last month redid not include findings or allegations of fraud, but identified potential documentation and compliance issues, which the State is now reviewing.
