(Albany, NY) Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, along with members of the Senate Republican Conference, today sent a letter to Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), inviting him to Albany to discuss mutual concerns of fraud, waste and abuse within New York’s staggering $124 billion Medicaid program. 

Last week, Dr. Oz announced he was probing New York’s Medicaid program and sent a letter questioning Governor Kathy Hochul on her efforts to rein in costs and prevent fraud. 

“We believe the best way to strengthen the State’s Medicaid program, and ensure resources are available to those that truly need them, is to root out waste, fraud and abuse. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss these issues further and explore ways the state and federal government can work together to restore accountability to New York’s Medicaid program,” the letter reads.

"New York’s Medicaid program has grown to an unsustainable $124 billion, and taxpayers deserve answers about how that money is being spent. Reports of potentially billions in improper payments to ineligible individuals point to a system that urgently needs stronger oversight and accountability. I look forward to working with Dr. Oz to identify solutions that root out fraud, waste and abuse so Medicaid resources are preserved for the New Yorkers who rely on them and deserve the support they provide," said Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

A full copy of the letter is attached.

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