Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Stop Phony Fraud Crusade to Attack Medicaid Programs Across U.S. States

Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Stop Phony Fraud Crusade to Attack Medicaid Programs Across U.S. States

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded Donald Trump stop his phony crusade against fraud as a disguise to attack Medicaid programs in U.S. states that millions of Americans need to live safe and independent lives.

"Let us be clear: you are not going after the real fraudsters. Instead, under the guise of 'program integrity,' you are cutting off vital funding for services that seniors, people with disabilities, and children rely on to survive and thrive in their communities," Wyden and Merkley emphasized to Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr., and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz.

The Trump administration withheld $259 million in Medicaid funds from Minnesota to go after so-called "fraudsters," and has sent preliminary letters to four other states indicating they will do the same there. In reality, his administration is undermining Home and Community-Based Services, the program that serves as a lifeline for seniors, Americans with disabilities, and children.

"Without home care, Americans who need long-term services will be forced into nursing homes and institutions-a devastating rollback of civil rights that will ultimately cost taxpayers more. Furthermore, home care agencies and independent care workers, who already operate on razor-thin margins while following the law, will be forced to shut their doors," Wyden and Merkley continued.

Joining Wyden in leading the letter were U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Joining Merkley as co-signers were U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Cory Booker, D-N.J.

The text of the letter is here.