• Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is collaborating with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
• Access was granted to review key systems and technology at CMS for identifying fraud and waste.
• The initiative aims to enhance efficiency across federal healthcare spending, impacting over 140 million Americans.
• Many officials applaud the move, while concerns arise about access to sensitive information.
• Musk recently indicated that healthcare fraud represents a significant problem within government spending.

Representatives from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have received permission to access systems at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of an effort to investigate perceived fraud and waste. This collaboration was officially confirmed by the CMS on Wednesday, reflecting Musk's ambitions to streamline government operations under the guidance of President Donald Trump. CMS oversees crucial healthcare programs including Medicare, which provides insurance for older and disabled Americans, and Medicaid, which serves low-income individuals. Altogether, these programs cater to more than 140 million people in the United States, making the stakes particularly high.

Two senior officials from CMS, focused on policy and operations, are leading the collaboration with DOGE to ensure that the agency’s systems and technology are utilized effectively. According to a CMS statement, “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.” As part of their role, the DOGE representatives are scheduled to evaluate the agency's operational structure, technology systems, and the spending that flows through these systems, as detailed in a report from Reuters.

Musk, tasked by President Trump to identify waste within the government, has quickly gained significant influence over the 2.2 million-member federal workforce. His access reportedly includes key payment and contracting systems at CMS, enabling a closer examination of improper payments that could stem from fraud or administrative errors. According to India Times, Musk asserted on social media that these programs are where “the big money fraud is happening,” although he did not present any evidence to support this claim.

While many lawmakers commend the DOGE's investigative efforts, concerns have been raised regarding the level of access to sensitive health information. However, reports indicate that the access granted was "read-only," meaning that no alterations to the systems can be made by DOGE representatives. This initiative falls in line with broader efforts to reduce federal spending and root out inefficiencies. The CMS had previously disclosed that almost $1.5 trillion was allocated in spending for health programs in 2024, raising questions about how resources are managed.

Administration officials remain supportive of DOGE's advancements, emphasizing that the collaboration is an essential step toward greater accountability in federal programs The Hill.