Washington, D.C. – As Congress considers possible deep cuts to Medicaid, one of North Dakota’s U.S. Senators is likening the program to a “pyramid scheme”.
During a conversation with The Flag’s Scott Hennen, Cramer was asked about the status of the effort to slash the government-funded healthcare program that provides coverage for low-income Americans.
Listen: North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer with Scott Hennen
Cramer criticized the current funding formula that allows the federal government to cover 90% of the cost, and passes on the remaining 10% to states.
Cramer says states can then recoup the costs from the federal government, using California as an example.
“The state covers the 10% and then turns in the 10% for reimbursement,” said Cramer. “We have to fact the facts.”
Suggesting there is widespread fraud, Cramer also claims that 34-million “able-bodied, working age American adults without a job” are on the program.
Listen: Flag Family’s Ken Duffy has more below on Senator Cramer’s comments on Medicaid
The U.S. House has already approved $2 trillion in overall government spending cuts, which include Medicaid. The Senate’s proposal is just a fraction of that at $4 billion.
This week, President Trump claimed that entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicaid would not be touched in congressional budget bills.
Cramer says the effort to transform Medicaid is about improving a system that was intended for the elderly and disabled.
“We’re looking for opportunities for Medicaid so that it’s available,” said Cramer.
