Featured

Carine Werner Calls Second Medicaid Hearing Amid National Healthcare Fraud Concerns

Arizona legislators are proceeding with additional hearings to examine potential fraud within the state's Medicaid program, as federal authorities address healthcare-related financial irregularities nationwide.

Senator Carine Werner, Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, has scheduled a follow-up investigative hearing for October 1st at 1:00 PM. 

This second hearing indicates that initial findings have identified areas of concern within Arizona Health Care Cost Containment (AHCCCS) system. The session will include testimony from AHCCCS personnel regarding billing practices and referral procedures.

"Arizona's Medicaid system is facing serious issues with criminal Medicaid fraud, impacting honest providers, patients, and taxpayers," Carine Werner stated. "We will expose how bad actors steal and commit fraud, pushing out good providers and endangering vulnerable populations."

Investigation

The Arizona investigation occurs alongside increased federal attention on healthcare program oversight. Federal officials have noted the financial impact of fraud across government healthcare programs. 

Various sources have noted that improper payments and fraud in entitlement programs represent significant annual losses.

Back in March, the White House issued a fact check, informing that the Government Accountability Office estimates annual fraud-related losses at approximately $521 billion, with healthcare programs representing a substantial portion of these figures.

Over $140 billion in mistaken payments were reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in 2024.

Millions of Americans

83 million Americans are covered by Medicaid, which accounts for around 20% of all healthcare spending in the country.

The federal-state association structure that supports the program offers administrative freedom while establishing layers of oversight.

"I will be diligent in creating transparency, holding our agencies accountable, and protecting patients throughout Arizona. Patients, providers, and Arizona taxpayers rely on us to make meaningful changes, and I will not stand by and let fraud continue on my watch," Werner emphasized. 

Ericka Piñon

Ericka Pinon is a state and federal reporter for Cactus Politics. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and is fluent in both English and Spanish. She is currently studying Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.

Recent Posts

President Trump Will Make NASA Great Again, Again

By Jeff DeWit As a proud American and loyal longtime supporter of President Donald J.…

4 hours ago

Steve Montenegro Steps In to Defend Arizona Birth Certificate Law

House Speaker Steve Montenegro is taking matters into his own hands after Attorney General Kris…

11 hours ago

Military Build Up: Is Trump Inching Closer to Dropping Bombs on Maduro?

As deadly military strikes continue against Venezuela-based and supported drug cartels in the Caribbean, it…

12 hours ago

Will ASU President Michael Crow Follow UA Lead? ASU Faces Federal Compact Decision

Arizona State University President Michael Crow faces the decision of whether to accept the Trump…

12 hours ago

Kris Mayes Officially Sues Mike Johnson over Grijalva’s Delay

Attorney General Kris Mayes is taking House Speaker Mike Johnson to federal court, claiming he's…

13 hours ago

Ruben Gallego Says Shutdown 'Does Suck,' Emphasizes Healthcare Negotiations

During an appearance on Fox Business' Claman Countdown, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) discussed the ongoing…

14 hours ago