Dr. Oz Investigates Alleged Medicaid Fraud in NYC Senior Centers, Ties to 'Chinese Mafia'

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the former television personality and Republican Senate candidate, participated in federal investigations targeting suspected Medicaid fraud at New York City senior care centers. Oz joined agents in visiting facilities in Flushing, Queens, as part of a multi-agency federal probe.

During his participation in over 80 visits that led to arrests, Oz challenged employees about their billing records and the use of taxpayer funds. He told Fox News Digital that his visits to Kent Senior Care and Evergreen Adult Day Care felt "suspicious," and he speculated that the "Chinese mafia" might be involved in facilitating the alleged scams by paying individuals.

At Kent Senior Care, Oz questioned the director about high billing rates that did not appear to align with the number of attendees, noting that the center's capacity was 70 people but did not seem that crowded. "The bills we're getting are as though it's completely full all the time," Oz stated, emphasizing that the warning letter was issued "because we don't believe you." The director at Kent Senior Care maintained that the facility only bills for seniors who actually attend and requires signed attendance slips. However, Oz pointed out discrepancies, such as patients attending only two or three days a week when the center billed for five, and questioned the need for specialized transportation for wheelchair users when few were present.

Oz also raised questions about the presence of numerous mahjong tables in the facility, asking if taxpayer money should fund such activities. The director explained that mahjong helps patients improve cognitive abilities and exercise their fingers.

Similar discrepancies were found at Evergreen Adult Day Care. While the manager claimed 200 seniors attended three days a week and 150 on the other two, Oz observed only about 25 people present. The manager attributed the lower numbers to patients being in classes or at doctor's appointments.

Oz believes these fraudulent activities are part of larger criminal networks. He suggested that the "Chinese mafia" could be paying individuals over $1,000 to facilitate attendance scams that enable centers to overcharge the government. "We know from the billing here that there's no way this business is running in the way that they claim to be running without something being wrong," he said, characterizing the operation as "really a clubhouse for crime."

These investigations coincided with an announcement by former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance of a $25 million program aimed at incentivizing the public to report suspected fraud in government programs. The Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program will offer rewards of up to $30,000 for tips that lead to fraud convictions or significant federal enforcement actions. The Justice Department will administer the program, with Trump stating he would arbitrate reward distribution in cases with multiple informants. New York Governor Kathy Hochul also stated the state is undertaking a "massive effort to combat fraud and abuse" in Medicaid.