Dr. Oz Demands Answers from Hochul Over NY's $124B Medicaid Program

The CMS Administrator seeks clarity on transparency and oversight of the state's massive healthcare spending.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Mehmet Oz, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, is demanding answers from New York Governor Kathy Hochul over the state's $124 billion Medicaid program. Oz sent a list of about 50 questions to Hochul's administration seeking clarity on how the state is managing and spending Medicaid funds, with a focus on transparency and oversight.

Why it matters

New York's Medicaid program is one of the largest in the country, and there is growing scrutiny over the scale of spending and calls for stronger accountability from state leaders. Oz's inquiry underscores ongoing political tensions over healthcare funding and transparency in Albany.

The details

Oz's request for answers comes as critics argue the size of New York's Medicaid spending warrants greater oversight and clearer explanations from state officials. Supporters, however, say the funding is necessary to provide healthcare coverage for millions of residents across the state.

  • On January 6, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul held a press conference at NYPD headquarters in New York City.

The players

Mehmet Oz

The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure taxpayer dollars within New York's Medicaid system are being properly accounted for and that there is strong oversight and transparency around this massive healthcare spending.”

— Mehmet Oz, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

What’s next

The Hochul administration is expected to respond to Oz's questions in the coming weeks, which could lead to further scrutiny and potential policy changes around New York's Medicaid program.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over healthcare spending and accountability, with federal officials like Dr. Oz pushing for greater transparency from state leaders on how billions in Medicaid funds are being allocated and utilized.