Rep. Troy Carter Statement on Medicaid Audit

Eric Connerly Data News Weekly Contributor

“There has been a lot of noise about so-called ‘fraud’ in Medicaid, but this audit makes one thing very clear: the problem is not with families, seniors, or vulnerable people abusing the system. The real problem lies with insurance companies being paid millions of dollars even after patients had already died.

“As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have said repeatedly that the real fraud is not among the most vulnerable. It is among corporations and insurers who exploit the system for profit. This study confirms that point once again. While some politicians choose to target the poor, the sick, and the struggling, the true leakage is happening in boardrooms, not living rooms.

“Medicaid was created to serve veterans who wore the uniform, seniors who built this country, disabled Americans who deserve dignity, and working families fighting to make ends meet. These are the people who must never be scapegoated while insurance companies pocket taxpayer dollars meant for care.

“This is why I have opposed Donald Trump’s so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ or as I call it, the Big Ugly Law, from the very beginning. It is nothing more than a massive giveaway to the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of those who need help the most. This audit should serve as a wake-up call to Trump and his allies: it is time to reverse course, repeal this harmful law, and restore Medicaid to its rightful purpose, serving people, not padding profits.

“We must hold insurers accountable, strengthen oversight, and make sure every taxpayer dollar is spent with integrity. Medicaid is not a luxury. It is a lifeline. And I will continue to fight to protect it, for every child, every veteran, every senior, every person with a disability, and every hardworking family who depends on it.”