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 money, maintain access for eligible residents, and ensure efficient healthcare delivery.
In a letter sent today, Governor Abbott wrote: “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.”
Following his direction, HHSC will enhance anti-fraud actions and investigate any potential misdirection of taxpayer dollars within Medicaid. These steps are intended to safeguard public funds while ensuring continued access for those who qualify for assistance.
The governor also announced other initiatives aimed at eliminating fraud in publicly funded programs. This includes directing probes into possible child care funding fraud and volunteering Texas for participation in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development pilot program that targets fraud in federal affordable housing initiatives.
Greg Abbott leads the executive office for the state government of Texas from its main offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building (official website). Since his election in 2014, his administration has focused on economic development, education enhancement, border security efforts such as Operation Lone Star, job creation across Texas resulting in record employment levels (official website), as well as protecting individual liberties.
Governor Abbott was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (official website).
“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 the Governor’s direction, HHSC will further implement anti-fraud measures and launch investigations into potential fraud and misdirection of Texas taxpayer dollars to protect taxpayers, preserve access for eligible Texans, and maintain the integrity of Texas’ Medicaid program.
Governor Abbott is taking action to eliminate potential fraud in publicly funded services and protect taxpayer dollars by:Â
Directing investigations into potential child care funding fraud
Volunteering Texas to participate in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development pilot program that seeks to eliminate fraud in federal affordable housing programsÂ
