Dr. Oz Accuses Democrats of Misleading on $1B Medicaid to Illegal Immigrants

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has revealed an alarming finding: over $1 billion in Medicaid payments has been made to illegal immigrants in various states. This discovery was made during an internal review, and Oz suggests that the previous administration is now taking steps to remedy the situation.

Allegations Against Democrats

During his appearance on “Fox & Friends,” Oz accused Democrats of misleading the public regarding the issue of Medicaid funds allocated to illegal immigrants. He stated, “The Democrats have been gaslighting us on this issue for quite a while.” The ongoing debate over healthcare for illegal immigrants has significantly contributed to the current government shutdown, which is now in its third week.

Republican Concerns

Republicans claim that Democrats are permitting federal health funds to benefit illegal immigrants while obstructing attempts to eliminate government waste. Oz indicated that the investigation into this matter is just beginning, with the current data covering only a handful of states.

Implications for Taxpayers

• Oz highlighted concerns for taxpayers in states like Texas and Florida, stating that their federal tax contributions are being redirected to states such as California, which offer extensive benefits for illegal immigrants.
• The investigation aims to track Medicaid allocations nationwide to address these disparities.

Democrats’ Stance on Government Funding

Meanwhile, Democrats remain unwilling to support a funding bill for the government without extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire in 2025. They argue that failure to act before the November open enrollment period could result in higher premiums for millions of Americans.

Healthcare Funding for Non-Citizens

The White House has contended that a proposal by Democrats could lead to nearly $200 billion being spent on healthcare for illegal immigrants and other non-citizens over the next decade. This figure is substantial enough to fully finance the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Moral and Legal Considerations

Oz characterized the distribution of taxpayer dollars for the healthcare of individuals who do not contribute to the system as a moral issue. He emphasized, “You can’t just dole that out to able-bodied illegal immigrants in states because they think it’s the right thing to do.”

Closing Legal Loopholes

Despite federal regulations prohibiting illegal immigrants from enrolling in Medicaid, some states exploit loopholes to provide benefits. Oz announced that CMS is committed to addressing these loopholes to recover funds for taxpayers.

In conclusion, the investigation into Medicaid payments to illegal immigrants is an ongoing endeavor for CMS under Dr. Oz’s leadership. The agency seeks to protect taxpayer interests and ensure that federal funds are used appropriately.