The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is removing adult day care centers in New York City from federal health care programs for alleged fraud. The agency announced the action on Wednesday, using authority it received just one week prior to terminate providers from these programs.
CMS officials held a press conference to detail the crackdown on the state's Social Adult Day Care program, which provides socialization, personal care, and meals to adults with physical and cognitive impairments. Agency administrators stated that the program is rife with fraud. CMS administrator Mehmet Oz described the Social Adult Day Care program as a plague to the state.
Oz argued that it is unacceptable to witness dishonest practices destroying resources intended for vulnerable seniors. He specifically noted the harm caused to individuals who are frail and suffering at home.