WASHINGTON, D.C. January 5, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially confirmed that Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman — currently serving as President of the UN Security Council — is linked to a Cincinnati-based home health agency previously involved in Medicaid fraud.
In a post on X dated January 5, 2026, HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill stated: “I can confirm public speculation that Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman, Permanent Representative of Somalia to the UN and President of the Security Council, is in fact associated with Progressive Health Care Services, a home health agency in Cincinnati. HHS has previously taken action against Progressive in response to a conviction for Medicaid fraud. More to come.”
The announcement follows weeks of online speculation and investigative reports linking Osman to the company. According to sources, Osman served as Managing Director of Progressive Health Care Services Inc. from 2014 until May 2019, overlapping with his diplomatic role in New York.
The revelation has raised ethics concerns, particularly as Somalia holds the rotating UN Security Council presidency for January 2026.
HHS actions against Progressive stem from prior Medicaid fraud convictions, though specific details on the case were not elaborated in the statement. Deputy Secretary O’Neill’s indication of “more to come” suggests ongoing investigations.
The post quickly gained traction online, amplifying discussions about potential conflicts of interest for foreign diplomats operating U.S. businesses. No immediate response has been issued from the Somali Mission to the UN or Ambassador Osman.
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