Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor to discuss the Republican-led reconciliation bill, emphasizing its focus on Medicaid reform. According to Thune, Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the bill, particularly regarding its provisions related to Medicaid.

Thune stated that the purpose of the bill is to address waste, fraud, and abuse within Medicaid while ensuring it serves those it was originally intended for: vulnerable children, pregnant women, and elderly Americans. He highlighted concerns over the expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare and criticized rules and waivers from the Biden administration that he claims have extended Medicaid beyond its initial scope.

"To hear Democrats talk," Thune said, "you’d think Republicans were getting ready to rip Medicaid from the hands of needy children and pregnant women." He argued that this perception is incorrect and emphasized that Republicans aim to preserve and strengthen Medicaid.

The bill proposes several reforms including removing non-eligible individuals from Medicaid rolls such as illegal immigrants, able-bodied adults who refuse work, and those not qualifying for the program. Additionally, it plans to implement work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving benefits.

Thune also mentioned efforts to address what he describes as rampant abuse of a provider tax loophole used by states to inflate service prices for larger federal reimbursements. He referenced similar measures proposed in past budgets by President Obama but criticized recent waivers granted by the Biden administration allowing further exploitation.

He questioned Democratic opposition to these measures: "Exactly which of our commonsense reforms do Democrats disagree with?" He suggested their opposition might stem from political motives or an ideological belief in expanding government programs without fiscal constraints.

Thune concluded by expressing gratitude towards Chairman Crapo and Finance Committee members for their contributions to the bill's development. He anticipates advancing these provisions soon as part of broader legislation aimed at safeguarding Medicaid's future.