Texas Governor Tightens Medicaid Fraud Checks

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has asked state health officials to check for possible fraud in Medicaid. This is part of a bigger plan to stop fraud in government programs. Abbott has already started two other fraud prevention projects. All three are connected. Abbott mentioned Minnesota's Medicaid fraud issues. He said Texas should check its own programs to avoid similar problems. He wrote a letter to Texas Health and Human Services Commission officials. In it, he talked about fraud in other states and the need for Texas to act. The governor wants the state's Inspector General to review fraud prevention measures. They will also check autism services. A report is due by March 15. The review will look at several things. These include checking services the Trump Administration flagged for fraud. They will also ensure Medicaid Managed Care Organizations have fraud investigation units. Training will be provided to these units. Plus, they will review policies for services prone to fraud. A report on autism services is due in June 2026. Texans can report fraud through an online portal or hotline.Political analyst Brian Smith from St. Edward's University spoke about Abbott's fraud hunt. He said Abbott is trying to avoid criticism by acting now. Fraud is a hot topic in politics. Finding fraud could help Abbott's campaign. Smith noted that both Democrats and Republicans care about fraud. So, Abbott could gain politically if fraud is found. Abbott has been Texas Governor for over 10 years. The reviews could backfire if Texas is found committing fraud. But if fraud comes from other sources, Abbott can blame them. At a campaign event, Abbott said Texas has fraud prevention programs. He wants to strengthen them. He also offered Texas for a federal fraud review. The HUD is launching a program to eliminate fraud in affordable housing.