WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), thanking him and President Trump for their continued commitment to protecting critical health care programs for vulnerable Americans. In the letter, Senator Scott shared his personal experience growing up before Medicaid existed, recalling how his family struggled to find care for his younger brother who suffered from a serious bone disease. Senator Scott warned that without strong oversight and enforcement of recent reforms passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill, Medicaid will continue to remain vulnerable to abuse by blue-state governments who are using the program to fund political pet projects rather than serving those who truly need help throughout our communities. Senator Scott outlines specific steps to ensure transparency and accountability so we know Medicaid funds are being directed toward those the program was intended to support - needy children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those who are chronically ill, and Senator Scott is dedicated to ensuring they receive it.

Read the full letter HERE or below:

Dear Dr. Oz:

I grew up before Medicaid existed. When my brother was diagnosed with a bone disease, my parents could not find a doctor to treat him that we could afford. Like any parent, my mom would do anything to get her child the help he needed. She drove hours one way to get him to the only charity hospital willing to help. That was the case for far too many families then, and if we do not stop blue state governors from exploiting this program, it is those kids and families like mine growing up who will be hurt the most now.

No parent already struggling to put food on the table should have to worry about getting their child access to life-saving care. And no child should have to watch their chronically ill sibling suffer because they cannot find a doctor they can afford. It is why I believe so strongly that Medicaid must first serve those who truly need it, people like my brother. You and I share that mission.

But today, after Joe Biden allowed blue state governors to abuse the system and give illegal aliens Medicaid benefits, this critical program is at risk. Together, we moved one step closer toward restoring Medicaid to its original purpose with the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) — ensuring the program takes care of vulnerable Americans, not footing the bill for illegal aliens or childless, able-bodied adults who choose not to work. But there is still more to be done.

As OBBB is implemented, we must ensure that the same bureaucrats who helped Biden and blue states get away with waste, fraud, and abuse are held accountable, starting by demanding transparency and accountability as to how the states are using these Medicaid funds and allocating the Rural Health Transformation Fund. Sanctuary cities in California and New York must be stopped from gaming the system and using Medicaid dollars as a slush fund for their political passion projects — think free rent, non-emergency transportation, rideshare credits, and DEI programs. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people who have real medical needs, just like my family growing up, have their benefits threatened because Medicaid dollars are wasted on these pet projects.  

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plays a critical role in protecting Medicaid. Thanks to OBBB reforms to the provider tax and the capped payment rate for Medicaid’s State-Directed Payments (SDP), we are projected to save more than $300 billion over the next decade. The Biden administration’s refusal to do the right thing here was frustrating because I knew it was hurting kids like my brother, leaving them behind. Today, I am excited we have an opportunity to deliver for people like my brother with you and President Trump at the helm. Together, we must ensure these savings benefit those who need it the most. Here’s how:

• We MUST ensure this money is helping disabled kids, pregnant moms, and those who need it the most so they can get life-saving care: American taxpayers understand the need to support those who need it and help, but they also want to know their dollars are actually benefiting patients. That’s why states should give us return-on-investment metrics to make sure the dollars are used for their intended recipients. This will stop funds from being used on unrelated pet projects, like pickleball courts, golf courses, city hall remodels, and more, as was seen during COVID.

• We MUST ensure these dollars benefit patients, not hospital executives or special interests: Providers wanting these funds should include their financial statements, including executive compensation, to ensure that only the truly needy providers receive assistance.

• We MUST put measures in place to bring accountability and transparency to patient care: To ensure states and providers are doing what they promised, CMS should hire outside auditors, paid for by this fund. We cannot allow a dime of waste, fraud, and abuse of these dollars that are meant to help kids, pregnant women, and the disabled.

• No funds given to states or providers who violate the law and jeopardize programs for those who need it: Right now, people like my mom are worried about getting their child health care because sanctuary cities that openly violate immigration laws are giving illegal aliens critical benefits like Medicare and Medicaid at the expense of American taxpayers.

• Hear from our most vulnerable about how we can help them: CMS should hold a public notice and comment period to receive feedback and hear how those who rely on this program feel it can best serve them and ensure full transparency before issuing guidance. These programs are essential to many children, elderly, and the neediest among us. We should enable them to participate in this process.

Thank you again for working with President Trump to protect and preserve these programs so that kids like my brother can receive the critical care they need. Together, we will continue this great work of holding folks accountable, putting Americans first and making Washington work for our families.

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