If the Senate uncovers Medicare misuse within the Trump bill, then Hassett suggests they would consider investigating it.
Going After Medicare? Hassett Tells It Straight
Kevin Hassett, the dynamic White House Economic Council director, set the record straight on Sunday about the Trump administration's rumored targets in the budget proposal. Emphatically stating on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan", there's no Medicare in the crosshairs.
Hassett, known for his candidness, declared, "Nope, Medicare is not on the table. It's all a big fake news story." Despite tales of targeting Medicare for cuts, he explained that the administration is open to revealing and tackling waste, fraud, and abuse, should it be identified.
Senate Republicans are currently engrossed in the "One Big Beautiful Bill," the budget blueprint approved by the House, featuring tax cuts, border security provisions, and modifications to Medicaid and food assistance programs. The bill's Medicare provisions have become a hot topic.
Hassett stood firm against allegations of Republicans targeting Medicare for reductions. "That story which surfaced last week was blown out of proportion," he explained, contending that the focus should be on addressing waste, fraud, and abuse.
If the Senate makes such waste, fraud, and abuse discoveries, Hassett confirmed that the administration would evaluate the situation. "I've noticed massive amounts of waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid," he said, adding, "But I haven't been briefed on Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse. If they find something, of course, we'd take a look."
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the bill would pile on $2.4 trillion to the national debt over the subsequent decade. Meanwhile, Sen. Thom Tillis has voiced support for legislation addressing waste in the Medicare Advantage program, with a focus on eliminating abuse without affecting beneficiaries[1].
To finance tax reforms, such as extending the 2017 tax cuts and eliminating tip taxes, several programs are facing cuts. However, Republicans have vehemently denied accusations of cutting Medicaid. Ironically, reductions in the low-income entitlement program have become one of the most contentious aspects of the bill.
Some Republican senators, like Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Josh Hawley, have expressed concerns about the Medicaid provisions in the bill, particularly new monthly premium requirements for low-income recipients. Their reservations underscore ongoing uncertainty among Senate GOP leaders as they strive to secure the necessary votes. The bill can't afford to lose more than four votes in the Senate, as all Democrats are expected to vote against it.
Hawley, in particular, has denounced the Medicaid work requirements as "morally wrong and politically suicidal." Upon being questioned about Hawley's concerns, Hassett responded, "I'd have to chat with him about it and discuss it with the president. So, I can't comment on that particular matter."
The administration continues to argue that failure to pass the legislation could negatively impact the broader economy. "If we don't pass this bill, we'll lose 6 to 7 million jobs and 4% GDP," Hassett warned.
Senate Republicans are poised to unveil their version of the bill shortly. Any significant changes would necessitate the bill's return to the House for approbation before finally landing on Trump's desk.
Patrick Maguire is our Broadcast Associate, keeping you in the loop on all the juicy political happenings.
[1] Enrichment Data: Sen. Thom Tillis advocates changes to the Medicare Advantage Program as part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," intending to cut spending in the program. The proposed changes aim to streamline regulatory oversight, improve data transparency, and adjust reimbursement models to prevent improper billing practices and ensure efficient, high-quality care.
- Despite rumors of targeting Medicare for cuts, Kevin Hassett, the White House Economic Council director, asserted that Medicare is not on the table, labeling the news as a "fake news story."
- Hassett emphasized a focus on addressing waste, fraud, and abuse in healthcare programs, mentioning that he has noticed massive amounts of waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid.
- Senator Thom Tillis has expressed support for legislation that aims to address waste in the Medicare Advantage program, intending to cut spending through improvements in regulatory oversight and data transparency.
- Despite concerns about the Medicaid provisions in the bill from senators like Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Josh Hawley, the administration continues to argue that failure to pass the bill could negatively impact the broader economy.
