Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to begin investigations into possible Medicaid fraud in Texas. The move aims to protect taxpayer funds, maintain access for eligible residents, and ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
In a letter, Governor Abbott stated: “Texas provides critical healthcare services to children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities through the state’s Medicaid program. Access to medical services is a key component in supporting these individuals and Medicaid fraud robs taxpayers and impairs their ability to receive necessary healthcare. During my tenure as Governor, Texas has policed the Medicaid program and proactively combatted fraud, but we will strengthen our efforts to further protect taxpayers, preserve access for eligible Texans, and maintain the integrity of Texas’ Medicaid Program.”
Under his direction, HHSC will enhance anti-fraud measures and investigate potential misuse of taxpayer dollars within the state’s Medicaid program.
The governor also outlined actions aimed at eliminating fraud in publicly funded services. These include directing investigations into potential child care funding fraud and volunteering Texas for participation in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development pilot program focused on reducing fraud in federal affordable housing programs.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott leads the executive branch of state government from its main offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building. The office focuses on economic development, education enhancement, job creation, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, border security initiatives such as Operation Lone Star, as well as efforts against child sex trafficking prevention (https://gov.texas.gov/). Since his election in 2014, Greg Abbott has led this office which delivers statewide services across Texas (https://gov.texas.gov/).
Governor Abbott’s administration has been recognized nationally; he was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (https://gov.texas.gov/). The office has contributed to job growth and record employment levels throughout Texas (https://gov.texas.gov/).
“Texas provides critical healthcare services to children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities through the state’s Medicaid program,” reads the letter. “Access to medical services is a key component in supporting these individuals and Medicaid fraud robs taxpayers and impairs their ability to receive necessary healthcare. During my tenure as Governor, Texas has policed the Medicaid program and proactively combatted fraud, but we will strengthen our efforts to further protect taxpayers, preserve access for eligible Texans, and maintain the integrity of Texas’ Medicaid Program.”
At Governor Abbott’s direction:
– Investigations are being launched into potential child care funding fraud.
– Texas is volunteering for a federal pilot program aimed at eliminating housing assistance fraud.
Information about reporting suspected waste or abuse within Texas’ Medicaid system is available online.
