- Musk's DOGE Team Gains Access to CMS Systems
- CMS Collaborates with Musk's DOGE on Efficiency Review
- DOGE to Scrutinize CMS Spending for Fraud, Waste
Representatives from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have been granted access to systems and technology at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency confirmed on Wednesday. The move is part of a broader effort by Musk, the world’s richest man, to identify and eliminate fraud and waste within the federal government, a task assigned to him by U.S. President Donald Trump.
CMS, which oversees Medicare and Medicaid—programs that provide health insurance coverage to over 140 million older, disabled, and lower-income Americans—said it is collaborating with DOGE to ensure more effective and efficient use of resources. The agency emphasized that the collaboration is being led by two senior CMS veterans, one focused on policy and the other on operations, to ensure appropriate access to its systems and technology.
“We are taking a thoughtful approach to see where there may be opportunities for more effective and efficient use of resources in line with meeting the goals of President Trump,” CMS said in a statement.
The development, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, revealed that DOGE representatives have been granted access to key CMS payment and contracting systems. According to the report, DOGE officials have been on-site at CMS offices this week, examining the technology underpinning these systems and analyzing spending flows to identify potential fraud or waste. They are also reportedly reviewing the agency’s organizational structure and staffing.
One of the systems accessed by DOGE is the CMS Acquisition Lifecycle Management system, which contains information about contracts. However, the Journal noted that DOGE representatives have not been given access to databases containing identifiable personal health information of Medicare or Medicaid enrollees. The access granted is “read-only,” meaning DOGE cannot make changes to the systems.
Elon Musk, who has been tasked by President Trump to streamline government operations, has quickly exerted significant influence over the federal workforce. In a matter of days, Musk and his team have begun what many describe as a dramatic reshaping of government operations, focusing on cutting inefficiencies and rooting out fraud.
Musk took to X, the social media platform he owns, to comment on the CMS collaboration, posting, “This is where the big money fraud is happening,” though he provided no specific evidence to support the claim.
The White House has defended Musk’s actions, with representatives stating that DOGE’s work aligns with President Trump’s commitment to making the federal government more accountable. While the White House did not address specifics about DOGE’s access to CMS systems, it emphasized the importance of identifying and eliminating waste.
CMS has long grappled with improper payments, which can result from fraud, abuse, or administrative errors by states, contractors, or healthcare providers. In 2022, the agency reported an improper payment rate of 6.1% for Medicare, amounting to approximately 25billion,and15.625billion,and15.680.6 billion. These figures highlight the significant financial stakes involved in ensuring the integrity of these programs.
DOGE’s involvement in scrutinizing CMS systems could lead to new strategies for reducing improper payments and improving oversight. However, the collaboration has also raised concerns about privacy and the potential for overreach, given Musk’s reputation for rapid and disruptive changes in the organizations he leads.
The U.S. Treasury confirmed on Tuesday that DOGE has been granted “read-only” access to its payment system codes, clarifying that this access does not interfere with government payments, including those for Social Security or Medicare. The Treasury’s statement underscores the limited scope of DOGE’s current access, which is focused on analysis rather than operational control.
The collaboration between CMS and DOGE could have far-reaching implications for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as for healthcare providers and contractors. If DOGE identifies significant inefficiencies or fraud, it could lead to tighter controls, reduced improper payments, and potentially lower costs for the programs. However, critics warn that overly aggressive measures could disrupt healthcare delivery and create administrative burdens for providers.
Elon Musk’s involvement in federal operations marks a unique experiment in leveraging private-sector expertise to address longstanding government challenges. While his track record of innovation and efficiency in companies like Tesla and SpaceX is well-documented, applying these principles to the complex and highly regulated world of federal healthcare programs presents a new set of challenges.
As DOGE continues its work at CMS and other agencies, the results of this collaboration will be closely watched. Success could pave the way for further public-private partnerships aimed at improving government efficiency, while setbacks could reinforce skepticism about the role of private actors in public administration.
For now, the partnership between CMS and DOGE represents a bold step toward rethinking how the federal government manages its resources—and whether the vision of one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs can translate into meaningful change for millions of Americans.
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