Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “We must strengthen Medicaid by ending the corruption that has allowed 1.4 million illegal aliens to exploit the program on the taxpayers’ dime.
I just filed an amendment to close the loophole that has allowed illegal aliens to receive Medicaid coverage.”
More: “Millions of vulnerable Americans, including the disabled, elderly, and low-income children, depend on Medicaid for vital healthcare services. But waste, fraud, and abuse are pushing this program to the point of insolvency. According to one estimate, there were more than $1 trillion in improper payments over the last decade. To protect Medicaid for those who truly need it, this corruption must end, including by removing the 1.4 million illegal aliens who are currently exploiting the program. My amendment would close a loophole that allows illegal aliens to receive Medicaid coverage for up to 90 days by blocking federal taxpayer dollars from funding benefits for prospective beneficiaries until their citizenship or lawful presence is verified. I urge a yes vote on this amendment. Now I ask for the yeas and nays.”