Ramaswamy announces plan to crack down on Medicaid waste, fraud and abuse
COLUMBUS — Republican nominee for Ohio governor Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his plan to crack down on Medicaid waste, fraud and abuse while making healthcare more affordable for Ohioans. The proposal focuses on three core reforms: aligning federal and state incentives to combat fraud, simplifying Medicaid bureaucracy and making Medicaid fraud prosecution a top statewide enforcement priority. Savings generated would be returned to law-abiding Ohioans through lower healthcare costs.
Ramaswamy was joined at a Columbus press conference by Ohio Senate President and lieutenant governor candidate Rob McColley, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives Matt Huffman, Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber and Daily Wire reporter Luke Rosiak, whose recent investigative series examined alleged Medicaid fraud in Ohio.
“Fraudsters and corrupt providers are stealing resources away from vulnerable Ohioans and driving up healthcare costs for everyone else. As governor, I will work with state and federal leaders to make fighting Medicaid fraud a top priority, strengthen enforcement, simplify the bureaucracy and return the savings to Ohioans through lower healthcare costs,” Ramaswamy said.
Ramaswamy’s plan begins by fixing the broken incentive structure that discourages states from aggressively pursuing Medicaid fraud.
Although Ohio administers Medicaid, current federal rules mean the state keeps less than $0.35 of every $1 it saves by rooting out fraud. Vivek would seek approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to initiate a time-bound Demonstration Project to reverse that split, allowing Ohio to retain at least $0.65 of every $1 saved through stronger fraud detection, investigation and prosecution.
Building on Tennessee’s successful waiver model, which freed up $1.3 billion for healthcare priorities, Ohio could generate an estimated $4.7 billion in total taxpayer savings from a 10% reduction in FY 2027 Medicaid spending. That would include roughly $3.1 billion to help lower healthcare costs for law-abiding Ohioans through a variety of methods, including but not limited to co-pay assistance, reduced insurance premiums, and increased value of Health Savings Accounts.
Ramaswamy would also simplify Ohio’s Medicaid bureaucracy to combat fraud. Approximately $47 billion in Medicaid funding is expected to flow through as many as 10 state entities by FY 2027, creating confusion for patients, providers and taxpayers, and leaving an opening for bad actors to exploit a broken system.
Finally, immediately upon taking office, Ramaswamy will work with the Ohio Attorney General to make Medicaid fraud prosecution a top statewide enforcement priority. In partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, he will strengthen front-end safeguards to stop fraud before taxpayer dollars go out the door and ensure fraudsters are cut off before they can disappear with money meant for Ohioans in need.
“Ohio should lead the nation in building a Medicaid system that is accountable, enforceable and focused on the people it was created to serve. As your next governor, that is exactly what I will fight to deliver,” Ramaswamy said.
Ramaswamy has already begun discussions with key federal leaders, including CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, and will continue advancing the framework for a potential collaboration that can take effect shortly after he is inaugurated as Ohio’s next governor in January 2027.
Tuesday’s policy announcement aligns with the release of the campaign's latest ad, “Afford to Get Better,” which highlights Ramaswamy’s commitment to making healthcare more affordable for Ohioans.
About Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy is a devoted husband to Apoorva and a proud father of two sons and a daughter. Together, they are raising their family just outside Columbus, embracing the values that shaped Vivek’s life. Born and raised in Cincinnati, he learned the importance of hard work, free enterprise, and personal responsibility—principles that have guided his journey. A businessman, entrepreneur, and unapologetic conservative, Vivek is ready to lead Ohio with a bold vision and strong leadership, making our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family—built on economic freedom, limited government, and individual liberty.
About Rob McColley
Rob McColley is a man of deep Christian faith, a devoted husband, and a father of three who is running for Lieutenant Governor to help Vivek deliver a bold vision that expands opportunity for every Ohioan. First elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2014, Rob has earned a reputation as a principled statesman and effective leader. After serving in both House and Senate leadership positions, Rob was unanimously elected President of the Ohio Senate in January 2025. His strong conservative record includes cutting taxes, reducing government red tape, and ensuring Ohio never again repeats the overreach of the COVID-era shutdowns led by Democrat Amy Acton.
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