The authors in this paper report the findings of a survey of medical students at the University of California, Irvine, California College of Medicine regarding their views on the Medicare and Medicaid programs and on the problem of fraud and abuse in these government medical benefit programs. The students were asked their views on four issues: (a) the quality of various aspects of Medicare and Medicaid; (b) the seriousness and prevalence of physician fraud and abuse in the programs; (c) the punishment that should be given to violators; and (d) the causes and prevention of fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid. They viewed fraud and abuse as serious but not as being widespread. They believed that physicians who violate program regulations are not likely to be punished by official agencies. They favored moderate penalties for violations. Explanations offered by the students for fraud and abuse focused on physicians' attitudes and motivations as well as on the structure of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.