Latest news with #U.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices'
The Hill
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Why Democrats don't care about most health care fraud
One thing has become clear in the debate over President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill': Democrats don't really care about waste, fraud and abuse in Medicaid or Affordable Care Act coverage (i.e., ObamaCare). That's obvious from their opposition to Republican efforts to audit those programs to ensure only eligible people are enrolled. To be fair, Democrats do care about health care fraud if a private health insurer or drug company is accused of defrauding a government health care program, regardless of how tenuous or unsubstantiated the accusations. But the real fraud arises from millions of ineligible people being enrolled in Medicaid and Obamacare. That's why it's important to regularly audit means-tested health care programs, just as it's important to regularly audit voter rolls — which Democrats and liberal groups also oppose — because populations change. Some Medicaid or Obamacare beneficiaries or their spouses may take jobs that provide health coverage. Or their incomes may rise above the limit. Or they may turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, or they move out of state without notifying officials. And, of course, some die. There can be honest mistakes, but fraud appears to be widespread. For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General published a report in 2022 covering four states — New York, California, Colorado and Kentucky — estimating the number of ineligible Medicaid beneficiaries in 2014 and 2015. The Office of Inspector General discovered federal Medicaid payments for new beneficiaries 'totaling almost $1.4 billion for more than 700,000 ineligible or potentially ineligible beneficiaries.' For those who weren't newly enrolled, the Office of Inspector General found Medicaid spent '$5 billion for almost 5 million ineligible or potentially ineligible beneficiaries.' Note the study covered only four states, and it was five years before the pandemic-related Medicaid expansion. We can assume from the report that there're likely millions of ineligible Medicaid beneficiaries across the country. As for ObamaCare, the Paragon Health Institute recently released its 2025 update of a 2024 report looking at ineligible people enrolled in the program. 'We estimate, conservatively, that improper [ACA] enrollment — defined as enrollees who claimed but did not actually have income between 100 and 150 percent of [the federal poverty level] — increased from 5.0 million enrollees in 2024 to 6.4 million enrollees in 2025. We estimate that the taxpayer cost of improper enrollment will exceed $27 billion this year.' Elected leaders who care about program integrity and fiscal responsibility should want regular checks to ensure people aren't gaming the system and abusing taxpayer dollars. So, why do Democrats generally oppose efforts to identify ineligible beneficiaries in government health insurance programs? First, Democrats increasingly embrace government-run health care. According to a December Gallup poll, '90% of Democrats who now say the government should ensure health coverage for all is the highest Gallup has measured for the group to date.' Republicans polled at 32 percent. Most Democrats don't care if millions of ineligible people are in ObamaCare or Medicaid because they think everyone should be in a government-run health plan. What's a little fraud, if the end goal is being achieved? So, they respond to Republican eligibility checks by claiming 'people will die' and changes will hurt rural hospitals that depend on Medicaid. The real problem facing rural hospitals is government-imposed Medicaid price controls. The Texas Hospital Association explains that Medicaid hospital reimbursement, on average, 'covers 72 percent of inpatient care costs and 75 percent of outpatient care costs for Medicaid clients. This underpayment leaves Texas hospitals with a multibillion-dollar Medicaid shortfall.' Second, there are significant economic benefits in ignoring health care fraud. Both Medicaid and Obamacare come with substantial taxpayer-funded subsidies. Nearly every state games the Medicaid system to increase its share of federal subsidies. The more Medicaid recipients a state has, the more money it can siphon from Washington. As for Obamacare, there are economic incentives to ignore, and even promote, fraud. Paragon writes that there are 'powerful incentives for individuals, brokers, and insurers to misestimate applicant income to qualify for larger subsidies. Insurers benefit from larger enrollment and government subsidies, and brokers benefit from higher commissions.' States have little incentive to check Obamacare fraud, since it costs them nothing. Speaking of which, there are political incentives to ignore health care fraud. Many Democratic-led blue states brag about their larger enrollment numbers in Medicaid and Obamacare, and therefore lower uninsured rates. It gives Democrats virtue-signaling opportunities to claim they are doing a better job providing health coverage. And their friendly media megaphone reinforces the virtue-signaling by their critical reporting on states, like Texas, with higher uninsured rates. Republicans' 'One Big Beautiful Bill' includes changes to improve Medicaid and ObamaCare program integrity and reduce fraud. But the fight isn't over, because a large portion of the country benefits both economically and politically from health care fraud. Merrill Matthews is a public policy and political analyst and the co-author of 'On the Edge: America Faces the Entitlements Cliff.'
San Francisco Chronicle
21-06-2025
- Health
- San Francisco Chronicle
Trump administration orders California to remove ‘disturbing gender ideology' from sex ed program
The Trump administration has given California 60 days to strip all references to gender identity from a federally funded sex education program or risk losing its funding. In a letter sent Friday to the California Department of Public Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families called the state's Personal Responsibility Education Program 'noncompliant' with federal law. The agency cited 'disturbing gender ideology content,' including passages explaining that gender identity can differ from biological sex and that some individuals identify as transgender or nonbinary. 'The Trump Administration will not tolerate the use of federal funds for programs that indoctrinate our children,' said Andrew Gradison, ACF's acting secretary, in a statement. 'The disturbing gender ideology content in California's PREP materials is both unacceptable and well outside the program's core purpose.' PREP, which receives approximately $6 million in federal support, is designed to educate youth on contraception, abstinence and preventing sexually transmitted infections. California officials said the program targets vulnerable populations, such as youth in homeless shelters and juvenile justice facilities. Among the flagged content were educational materials describing gender identity as a 'deep-seated, internal sense' and including terms such as 'cisgender,' 'transgender' and 'genderqueer.' The agency stated that such material exceeds the scope of PREP's authorizing statute. A spokesperson for California Gov. Gavin Newsom told The Hill that the state was first made aware of the directive through Fox News. 'To be clear: this is NOT California's K-12 sex education curriculum,' the spokesperson noted, calling it an 'effective, evidence-based program model.' The latest announcement comes just days after the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's law banning gender-affirming medical care — such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy — for transgender minors.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
COVID isn't over. RFK Jr.'s vaccine recommendation is a terrible choice.
The recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' announcement to no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant women and children may be one of the worst public health decisions in the history of the United States, having a long-lasting detrimental impact on the future of our society, our children. The logic behind this decision is obscure at best, which may be why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention referred questions regarding this policy to the U.S. Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and to the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. For women and children, COVID-19 can be a serious disease, and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters help protect the pregnant mother, newborns and children. Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe COVID-19. The British Medical Journal published a large review of studies and concluded that COVID-19 increases the risk of maternal death and severe maternal morbidities (e.g., mechanical ventilation, thromboembolic disease). On one hand, the federal government recommends a COVID-19 booster for those over the age of 65 and for younger adults and children who have at least one risk factor, but then not recommend for those who are at risk because they are pregnant. COVID-19 vaccinations have been observed to effectively increase antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus which causes COVID-19) and reduce the chances of a premature delivery. COVID-19 boosters are also safe during pregnancy and have not been found to be associated with spontaneous abortions. The decision to withhold COVID-19 vaccinations for children demonstrates a myopic approach to science and a lack of critical thinking. It appears policymakers are only focused on the prevention of death and hospitalization, defining this outcome as severe disease and assuming everything else is mild. This approach ignores the severe and chronic disabling effects of long COVID in children. It is true that on average children have milder COVID-19 infections and develop long COVID less commonly than adults. However, milder does not mean mild, and less common does not mean uncommon. It is estimated that approximately 4% of children will develop long COVID, compared to 10% to 26% for adults. This is way too high of an incidence for children, especially when re-infections are all too common. Long COVID in children can be serious. COVID-19 increases the chances of a child developing diabetes, other seemingly unrelated infections (for example respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] infections) and cognitive, mental health problems. Vaccinations have been found to reduce the chances of children developing long COVID. So maybe we should recommend and not discourage their use. Children can also spread the disease and place others at risk. This was known early on in the pandemic. I'm not sure how the public began to believe children did not pose a risk to others. Children are germ magnets, a life principle held by many parents and grandparents. Children readily spread every respiratory disease that I can think of. Why would COVID be any different? Opinion: Measles misinformation is hurting our kids while Trump government self-destructs How does our nation confront these public health risks? Simple, blame problems on lockdowns, ignore epidemiological evidence and quit counting cases. Then recommend against pregnant mothers and children receiving the vaccine. Clinical studies, medical record data and data from the V-Safe program have documented the vaccine's safety. VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) is not intended or designed to determine the risks of complications, only to identify potential complications to be investigated. Similar to Facebook, inaccurate or malicious reports can also be entered by AI bots and foreign adversaries to stir social discontent. In general, vaccines are watered-down infections. They boost your immunity while markedly decreasing, but not completely eliminating, severe complications. The mRNA vaccine does not change one's DNA, and the dosage of the spike protein is much smaller than one receives from an infection. If vaccines are as dangerous as social media disinformation says, then multiply these dangers by several magnitudes when an infection develops. If one is worried about mRNA, then obtain the protein-based vaccine, Novavax, which may have lower side effects and should have better standardization of the delivery dosage. Opinion: We have money to fight Kentucky's opioid crisis. Let's not waste it. We soon will be at risk of facing another wave of COVID from the Nb.1.8.1 variant, which is currently spreading across Southeast Asia and just landed in the United States. This variant has increased infectivity and immune-evasive properties. Everyone should become vaccinated and up to date with their COVID-19 boosters, including pregnant women and children. COVID is not over, it is still dangerous, and can cause serious long-term sequelae that may not be evident for months or years after the acute infection. We need to update our nation's vaccination policy, not based on political populism, but to reflect the realities of the world we are living in. Agree or disagree? Submit a letter to the editor. Kevin Kavanagh is a retired physician from Somerset, Kentucky and chairman of Health Watch USA. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: I'm a retired doctor. Kennedy's COVID policy will hurt US. | Opinion
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
3 schools win NFL PLAY 60 grants to boost student fitness
( NewMediaWire) - April 08, 2025 - DALLAS — For students to get their health into the endzone, a mix of various cardio and strength exercises that work different parts of the body is ideal for whole body health, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. That is why the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the 32 teams, held the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Blitz to get students moving leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New schools, named the national winners of the Exercise Blitz, received $1,000 NFL PLAY 60 grants for improvements to the schools' physical activity equipment. 'At the American Heart Association, our future is all about improving yours,' said American Heart Association Chief Executive Officer Nancy Brown. 'For 18 years, the American Heart Association and the NFL have teamed up to inspire kids to get moving to support their overall wellness by pairing fun with health fundamentals to drive life-long wellness through NFL PLAY 60. In our century of work, the American Heart Association will continue to be laser focused to propel physical and mental health in children.' Douglas Road Elementary in Lambertville, Mich. on behalf of the Detroit Lions, LaMuth Middle School in Painesville, Ohio on behalf of the Cleveland Browns and Cook-Wissahickon School in Philadelphia on behalf of the Philadelphia Eagles are the three winning schools of the NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Blitz. Held from Jan. 27- 31, the Exercise Blitz invited students to complete a 5-day physical activity video series, featuring special guests from the NFL. Teachers tracked student completion of movement minutes and submitted the tracker for an opportunity to receive a grant. The winning three schools were drawn at random. Physical activity positively impacts overall mental and physical wellness which is essential to help children reach their full potential [1]. That is why the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, offer a suite of resources to parents, teachers and caregivers to add movement to each day. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL Legends, cheerleaders and mascots. The free NFL PLAY 60 app allows users to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts and earn special PLAY points and unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars. 'Every year, NFL PLAY 60 helps students across the country achieve their daily goal of 60 minutes of play through the innovative and engaging NFL PLAY 60 app,' said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. 'We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at the American Heart Association to provide students with resources they need to lead healthy lifestyles.' Rooted in American Heart Association science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The NFL and the American Heart Association have been teaming up since 2006 to inspire kids through fun and engaging ways to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are key to immediate and long-term health for children. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and additional grant opportunities can be found online at ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. About NFL PLAY 60 NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness platform. In its 18th season, the initiative empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provides support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL's 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit
Fox News
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Laurel Libby reacts to Justice Department referral after Maine refuses to ban trans athletes from girls sports
The state of Maine could face consequences from the Department of Justice for its continued refusal to ban trans athletes from girls sports, and the lawmaker who brought awareness to the issue in the state weighed in. After the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) said it referred Maine's "noncompliance" with Title IX rules to the Justice Department Friday, Maine Republican state Rep. Laurel Libby placed blame on Gov. Janet Mills and the state's Democratic lawmakers. "Governor Mills and the Democrat majority refusal to comply with federal Title IX protections has now resulted in Maine being officially referred to the Department of Justice. This is a direct consequence of their radical policies that put ideology ahead of fairness and safety for Maine girls and the education of our students," Libby told Fox News Digital. "Mainers believe in common sense, fairness and protecting the rights of women and girls in sports and spaces. While this extreme stance does not reflect the values of our state, it is ultimately Maine's schools, students and taxpayers who will suffer the consequences of their reckless decisions and ongoing feud with biological reality." Libby brought national attention to her state's issue of trans inclusion in girls sports with a social media post revealing a transgender track and field athlete at Greely High School had taken first place at a Maine girls pole vault competition after competing as a boy just one year earlier. Libby's revelation of the trans athlete ignited national conversation and coverage of the state's policy on trans inclusion after Maine announced it would not comply with President Donald Trump's recent "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order. Trump then vowed to cut funding to the state for refusing to follow his order during a gathering of governors at the White House Feb. 20. The next day, Mills' office responded with a statement threatening legal action against the Trump administration if it did withhold federal funding from the state. Then, Trump and Mills verbally sparred in a widely publicized argument at the White House during a bipartisan meeting of governors. Just hours after that dispute, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would be investigating the state for allowing trans athletes to compete in girls sports and potential Title IX violations. Police protection was later assigned to the high school attended by the trans athlete Libby identified in her Facebook post. Libby was then censured for her Facebook post by Maine's Democratic majority because she posted a photo of a minor. She has since filed a lawsuit seeking to have her censure overturned. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
