The Role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Healthcare Oversight and Recent CMS Announcements

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These thoughts are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer, Optum

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The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken an active role in shaping policies within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), emphasizing cost reduction, operational efficiency, and streamlined program management. Recent developments, including CMS’s collaboration with DOGE and the agency’s funding adjustments to key healthcare programs, highlight an ongoing effort to optimize federal healthcare spending while balancing program accessibility and sustainability.

These changes have generated discussions across the healthcare industry, focusing on data access, workforce adjustments, and the financial impact on consumers. Two recent CMS announcements—one regarding DOGE’s collaboration with CMS and another concerning the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Navigator program funding—shed further light on the evolving landscape of government-led healthcare reforms.

Enhancing Efficiency in CMS Operations

In an effort to enhance operational efficiency, CMS has assigned two senior agency veterans—one specializing in policy and another in operations—to lead the collaboration with DOGE. Their primary responsibility includes ensuring appropriate access to CMS systems and technology, with a goal of identifying areas for resource optimization and cost reduction. This initiative aligns with broader government objectives to streamline spending while maintaining effective service delivery.