Universal Basic Fraud: Vulnerabilities in Medicaid Waiver Programs

This was a congressional hearing held by the GOP Oversight task force on defending constitutional rights and exposing institutional abuses on June 4, 2026. The hearing focused on vulnerabilities and widespread fraud in Medicaid waiver programs, particularly Ohio's home and community-based services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers. Witnesses, including investigative reporter Luke Rosiaak and Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber, testified about large-scale Medicaid fraud involving home health care providers, many linked to Somali and Bhutanese immigrant communities. The fraud involves fraudulent billing for personal care services, with some companies and individuals receiving millions in Medicaid payments while providing little or no legitimate care. Auditor Faber highlighted systemic oversight weaknesses such as underutilization of electronic visit verification and concurrent enrollment in multiple states, estimating billions in improper payments. The hearing also discussed legislative efforts in Ohio to strengthen Medicaid oversight and accountability, including a pending Medicaid integrity bill. Several members raised concerns about the impact of fraud on taxpayers and legitimate Medicaid recipients, while others cautioned against stigmatizing immigrant communities. The hearing included multiple unanimous consent requests to enter related documents into the record and concluded with calls for stronger fraud prevention, prosecution, and restitution policies to protect Medicaid funds and vulnerable populations.