SENATOR WALCZYK: IMPLEMENTATION OF COGE WOULD HAVE CAUGHT $1.7 MILLION IN MEDICAID OVERPAYMENTS

November 12, 2025

In light of a recent state audit revealing over $1.7 million in Medicaid overpayments due to inadequate oversight, Senator Mark Walczyk is renewing his call for the establishment of the Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) as an essential step toward fiscal accountability and transparency in New York.

The audit, conducted by the state comptroller’s office, identified significant deficiencies in the coordination of benefits process within the state’s Medicaid program. These oversights permitted substantial funds to be disbursed improperly, underscoring the critical need for a comprehensive review system that COGE could provide. Senator Walczyk emphasized, “Had COGE been operational, this blatant mismanagement could have been detected and rectified before taxpayers were hit with these unnecessary costs.”

Senate Bill S4959, introduced by Senator Walczyk in March, aims to create a bipartisan body dedicated to identifying wasteful spending and improving the efficiency of government operations. "New Yorkers deserve a state government that operates effectively, and COGE will finally put the spotlight on where our tax dollars are going," he added.

The findings from the audit revealed a lack of adequate controls within the New York State Department of Health, which oversees the $93 billion Medicaid program. It is unacceptable that such errors occurred, highlighting the urgent need for the reforms that COGE would implement. "We can no longer afford wastefulness in our budget when families are struggling to get by,” Walczyk stated.

As Governor Hochul has consistently been criticized for budget allocations that fail to yield meaningful returns, Senator Walczyk believes that passing COGE is paramount to redirecting taxpayer dollars effectively and efficiently. “If we implement COGE, we not only safeguard taxpayer money but also improve public perception of our government. By coming together – in a truly bipartisan manner – we can ensure that every dollar spent translates into tangible benefits for our constituents, thereby reinforcing the trust that has been eroded over time here in New York," concluded Walczyk.