WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, today published an op-ed in The Daily Caller on the Republican plan to strengthen Medicaid by eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption.

Click HERE to read the full op-ed.

Key excerpts:

“Medicaid became law in 1965. It was meant to be a safety net for the poor, pregnant women, children, and the disabled. Today, Medicaid has stretched beyond its intended purpose. It covers 71 million people. Many are able-bodied and working-age. As a result, Medicaid is broken, bloated, and ballooning. It will go bankrupt if we don’t strengthen it now. The Republican reconciliation bill will strengthen Medicaid for those it was originally intended.”

“Our bill ensures taxpayer-funded healthcare does not go to illegal immigrants… The 1.4 million illegal immigrants on Medicaid strangles Medicaid. They are filling up waiting rooms and clinics. They make it harder for Americans to receive the care they need. Our bill will end liberal states’ magnet for illegal immigration. Medicaid benefits cannot continue to be a reward for open borders.”

“Our bill roots out waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption. The federal government has spent $1.1 trillion in improper Medicaid payments in the past ten years… Republicans will not allow scammers to continue to game the system and steal from taxpayers.”

“Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and every Democrat in the Senate have vowed to fight our common-sense reform ‘with every fiber of our being.’ Democrats’ wasteful approach drains Medicaid. Medicaid is for struggling mothers, children, and the disabled. It is not illegal immigrants or able-bodied, working-age men addicted to video games.”

“Republicans are rescuing this lifeline so that it serves those who need it most – now and in the future.”

###