The Lead Off
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and federal Medicaid administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz addressed Medicaid fraud allegations during a visit in Dublin.
- The officials also announced an expansion of the OhioSEE program providing free eye exams to elementary school students.
- Lawmakers are advancing Medicaid reform discussions ahead of a planned summer legislative deadline.
COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, addressed Medicaid fraud allegations in Ohio during a public appearance in Dublin on Tuesday, while also announcing the expansion of a state program offering free eye exams to elementary school students.
The visit comes as state lawmakers intensify efforts to review Medicaid operations following allegations of fraud involving home health care providers funded through the program according to WCMH.
OhioSEE program expansion announced
During the event, DeWine and Oz highlighted the expansion of the OhioSEE program, a state initiative that provides free vision screenings and eye exams to elementary school students across Ohio.
Officials said the program aims to improve early detection of vision problems in children and expand access to preventive care services.
Medicaid fraud allegations prompt reform push
The announcement took place amid ongoing debate at the Ohio Statehouse over alleged fraud in Medicaid-funded home health care services.
Republican and Democratic leaders have offered differing assessments of responsibility for the alleged issues. Some Republican lawmakers have pointed to the DeWine administration, while Democrats argue that the state’s long-standing Republican majority bears responsibility for oversight failures. Democratic officials have also questioned the basis of the allegations, citing conservative media reports as a source of some claims.
House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, has said the administration failed to take adequate steps to prevent fraud and criticized past vetoes of proposed Medicaid oversight legislation.
Federal and state officials call for stronger oversight
Dr. Oz said Medicaid programs require stronger guardrails and clearer definitions of home health care eligibility.
“We believe Ohio, as almost every state, can do a better job with the guardrails around home healthcare,” Oz said. “We have to have a more robust understanding of what appropriately constitutes that.”
Oz also said recipients should demonstrate eligibility to ensure services are appropriately allocated.
DeWine defends Medicaid home health care support
Gov. DeWine emphasized his continued support for Medicaid-funded home health care, saying the services help individuals remain in their homes rather than enter assisted living facilities, which he said can reduce overall costs to taxpayers.
DeWine also said the state is working with federal officials to review providers and identify potential fraud.
“We’re going through a whole series of revalidations specifically in regard to those that are most problematic, the most likely to have fraud,” DeWine said.
Legislative action expected before summer break
Ohio lawmakers are expected to continue hearings on Medicaid reform legislation, with testimony scheduled from the Department of Medicaid, the Ohio Auditor of State’s office, and the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
House and Senate leadership have indicated plans to pass Medicaid reform measures before lawmakers begin their summer break on June 10.
Next steps
State officials say Medicaid oversight discussions will continue through committee hearings in the coming weeks as lawmakers consider potential reforms aimed at reducing fraud and improving program accountability.
