Republican gubernatorial nominee from Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy, is making an economic and government-reform pitch to voters: phase out the state income tax, sharply reduce property taxes and pursue Medicaid fraud aggressively.&nbsp;Ramaswamy’s proposals are central to his campaign against Democratic nominee Amy Acton as voters prepare to choose Ohio’s next governor on Nov. 3. The former presidential candidate is aiming to turn his outsider status into a mandate for sweeping changes to the state’s tax and spending policies.&nbsp;Ramaswamy is promising to eliminate Ohio’s individual income tax entirely over time.He proposes to start by eliminating the state tax on capital gains in his first two-year budget and then phasing out the broader income tax over eight to 10 years.&nbsp;He reasons that a zero-income-tax Ohio would attract businesses, investment and workers, putting the state in the company of states such as Florida and Texas. Ramaswamy claims that economic growth, combined with reductions in bureaucracy and spending would cover up the revenue loss via tax cuts.&nbsp;However, the proposal raises some key questions. Researchers estimate that 55.6% of the benefit from eliminating the capital-gains tax would go to Ohioans earning more than $1 million annually. By contrast, residents earning less than $100,000 would receive 7.3% of the benefit.Ramaswamy himself is a billionaire and would benefit substantially from the elimination of the tax.&nbsp;Ramaswamy initially called for eliminating property taxes altogether, but later adopted a more immediate proposal: rolling property taxes back to approximately their pre-pandemic levels and then limiting their future growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Property taxes help finance public education, police, fire services and other local operations and analysts warn that a rollback would result in significant revenue losses.&nbsp;The proposal comes as homeowners across Ohio have faced rising property-tax bills following increases in property valuations.&nbsp;Tax and policy experts question whether cutting bureaucracy alone could generate enough money to replace billions in local revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;Medicaid is the third major pillar of Ramaswamy’s campaign. More than 3 million Ohioans receive Medicaid coverage, which cost $34.2 billion in fiscal year 2024.&nbsp;Ramaswamy says the state should pursue suspected fraud more aggressively and simplify Medicaid administration to identify improper spending.&nbsp;Ramaswamy asserts that fraudulent providers increase costs for legitimate Medicaid recipients and taxpayers.He has made prosecution of Medicaid fraud a prominent campaign message, promising to make enforcement a statewide priority.&nbsp;The issue has gained additional attention amid investigations and reports involving alleged fraud by Ohio health-care providers.

Vivek Ramaswamy reasons that a zero-income-tax Ohio would attract businesses, investment and workers, putting the state in the company of Florida and Texas, and claims that economic growth, combined with reductions in bureaucracy and spending would cover up the revenue loss via tax cuts.

Republican gubernatorial nominee from Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy, is making an economic and government-reform pitch to voters: phase out the state income tax, sharply reduce property taxes and pursue Medicaid fraud aggressively. Ramaswamy’s proposals are central to his campaign against Democratic nominee Amy Acton as voters prepare to choose Ohio’s next governor on Nov. 3. The former presidential candidate is aiming to turn his outsider status into a mandate for sweeping changes to the state’s tax and spending policies. Ramaswamy is promising to eliminate Ohio’s individual income tax entirely over time. He proposes to start by eliminating the state tax on capital gains in his first two-year budget and then phasing out the broader income tax over eight to 10 years. He reasons that a zero-income-tax Ohio would attract businesses, investment and workers, putting the state in the company of states such as Florida and Texas. Ramaswamy claims that economic growth, combined with reductions in bureaucracy and spending would cover up the revenue loss via tax cuts. However, the proposal raises some key questions. Researchers estimate that 55.6% of the benefit from eliminating the capital-gains tax would go to Ohioans earning more than $1 million annually. By contrast, residents earning less than $100,000 would receive 7.3% of the benefit. Ramaswamy himself is a billionaire and would benefit substantially from the elimination of the tax. Ramaswamy initially called for eliminating property taxes altogether, but later adopted a more immediate proposal: rolling property taxes back to approximately their pre-pandemic levels and then limiting their future growth. Property taxes help finance public education, police, fire services and other local operations and analysts warn that a rollback would result in significant revenue losses. The proposal comes as homeowners across Ohio have faced rising property-tax bills following increases in property valuations. Tax and policy experts question whether cutting bureaucracy alone could generate enough money to replace billions in local revenue. Medicaid is the third major pillar of Ramaswamy’s campaign. More than 3 million Ohioans receive Medicaid coverage, which cost $34.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. Ramaswamy says the state should pursue suspected fraud more aggressively and simplify Medicaid administration to identify improper spending. Ramaswamy asserts that fraudulent providers increase costs for legitimate Medicaid recipients and taxpayers. He has made prosecution of Medicaid fraud a prominent campaign message, promising to make enforcement a statewide priority. The issue has gained additional attention amid investigations and reports involving alleged fraud by Ohio health-care providers.

Vivek Ramaswamy reasons that a zero-income-tax Ohio would attract businesses, investment and workers, putting the state in the company of Florida and Texas, and claims that economic growth, combined with reductions in bureaucracy and spending would cover up the revenue loss via tax cuts.

Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ohio Governor campaign focuses on property tax cuts, income tax phase-out, tackling medicaid fraud

US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday (Feb 25) announced that the Trump administration would “temporarily halt” nearly $260 million in Medicaid funding to Minnesota. This comes after US President Donald Trump, during his State of the Union addressed declared a “war on fraud”, singling out Democratic-led states, including California, Maine and Massachusetts, and accusing Minnesota and its Somali community of $19 billion in fraud, without providing any evidence for his claims.“We have decided to temporarily halt certain amounts of Medicaid funding that are going to the state of Minnesota in order to ensure that the state of Minnesota takes its obligation seriously to be good stewards of the American people’s tax money,” Vance said at a press conference in Washington.“What we’re doing is we are stopping the federal payments that will go to the state government until the state government takes its obligations seriously to stop the fraud that’s being perpetrated against the American taxpayer,” he added.<h2>Trump administration warns other states</h2>Administrator of the Centres for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Mehmet Oz, who accompanied Vance, said that the Trump administration has notified Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of the funding pause for the state, which received a $259 million Medicaid reimbursement this month.“We will give them the money, but we’re going to hold it and only release it after they propose an act on a comprehensive corrective action plan to solve the problem,” Oz said. “If Minnesota fails to clean up the systems, the state will rack up a billion dollars of deferred payments this year.”This comes after the Trump administration sent thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis, which led to widespread protests and the death of two US citizens. The government later announced that it was withdrawing federal officials after massive outrage following the killings.“It’s unponderable that you would take advantage of these precious programs,” Oz said as he warned that other states would be next after Minnesota.Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health insurance to over 70 million people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities in the United States.<h2>Tim Walz slam Trump administration</h2>The Trump administration’s move was slammed by Walz, who said that the funding pause “has nothing to do with fraud.” He added, “The agents Trump allegedly sent to investigate fraud are shooting protesters and arresting children. His DOJ is gutting the U.S. Attorney’s Office and crippling their ability to prosecute fraud. And every week Trump pardons another fraudster.”

US Vice President JD Vance announced a temporary halt to $259 million in Medicaid funds to Minnesota over alleged fraud, as Governor Tim Walz accused the Trump administration of politicising the move.

US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday (Feb 25) announced that the Trump administration would “temporarily halt” nearly $260 million in Medicaid funding to Minnesota. This comes after US President Donald Trump, during his State of the Union addressed declared a “war on fraud”, singling out Democratic-led states, including California, Maine and Massachusetts, and accusing Minnesota and its Somali community of $19 billion in fraud, without providing any evidence for his claims. “We have decided to temporarily halt certain amounts of Medicaid funding that are going to the state of Minnesota in order to ensure that the state of Minnesota takes its obligation seriously to be good stewards of the American people’s tax money,” Vance said at a press conference in Washington. “What we’re doing is we are stopping the federal payments that will go to the state government until the state government takes its obligations seriously to stop the fraud that’s being perpetrated against the American taxpayer,” he added. Trump administration warns other states Administrator of the Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Mehmet Oz, who accompanied Vance, said that the Trump administration has notified Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of the funding pause for the state, which received a $259 million Medicaid reimbursement this month. “We will give them the money, but we’re going to hold it and only release it after they propose an act on a comprehensive corrective action plan to solve the problem,” Oz said. “If Minnesota fails to clean up the systems, the state will rack up a billion dollars of deferred payments this year.” This comes after the Trump administration sent thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis, which led to widespread protests and the death of two US citizens. The government later announced that it was withdrawing federal officials after massive outrage following the killings. “It’s unponderable that you would take advantage of these precious programs,” Oz said as he warned that other states would be next after Minnesota. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health insurance to over 70 million people, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities in the United States. Tim Walz slam Trump administration The Trump administration’s move was slammed by Walz, who said that the funding pause “has nothing to do with fraud.” He added, “The agents Trump allegedly sent to investigate fraud are shooting protesters and arresting children. His DOJ is gutting the U.S. Attorney’s Office and crippling their ability to prosecute fraud. And every week Trump pardons another fraudster.”

US Vice President JD Vance announced a temporary halt to $259 million in Medicaid funds to Minnesota over alleged fraud, as Governor Tim Walz accused the Trump administration of politicising the move.

Vance announces Trump’s ‘war on fraud’ in Minnesota, pauses nearly $260 million Medicaid funding

US President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ tax cut and spending bill has been passed in both the House and the Senate. As part of its provisions, it is expected to bring sweeping changes to the government's Medicaid healthcare program, which covers about 71 million low-income people in the United States. The earlier policies, from the Biden and Obama administrations, aimed at easier access to healthcare for millions.&nbsp;According to the Congressional Budget Office estimates, nearly 12 million more people to be without insurance by 2034 after Trump signs the legislation due to reductions in federal support for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act. This would undermine the finances of hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centres, as they will need to absorb more costs of treating uninsured people. Some may cut on services and employees, while some may even shut down.&nbsp;Here are key healthcare provisions under the bill:&nbsp;<h3>Mandatory work</h3>&nbsp;Currently, Medicaid enrollees are not subject to work requirements. Under the new bill, Medicaid enrollees would have to work, do community engagement activities or attend school for a minimum of 80 hours to qualify for the programme. They will have to regularly file paperwork, ensuring they are meeting the new requirements, which are set to start in January 2027. This would end coverage of millions of people who do not meet the new standards.&nbsp;<h3>More frequent checks for eligibility</h3>&nbsp;The states will be required to conduct a check to see if people still qualify for Medicaid twice a year instead of once. This would affect about 20 million people who got enrolled through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion, which includes those making around $21,600 a year or less in 2025. The new bill would also prevent people from being eligible to sign up for Medicaid in more than one state at the same time.&nbsp;<h3>Stricter rules for states</h3>&nbsp;Money raised for the Medicaid programme was often raised from taxes imposed on hospitals and healthcare providers until now. The new bill would restrict how much money states can collect from these taxes. It would also impose stricter rules about which services can be taxed and how the money is distributed across providers. This could make it harder for states to get extra federal money, which may lead to funding cuts, especially in rural areas. Although the bill includes a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals.&nbsp;<h3>Immigrants rules</h3>&nbsp;Mediciad is currently eligible for some immigrants who are legally in the US after a five-year wait. However, under the new bill, refugees, some abused spouses and children, and people granted asylum will not be eligible.&nbsp;<h3>Cost-sharing requirements</h3>&nbsp;Currently, Medicaid gives states an option to charge nominal co-payments for people with incomes over 150 per cent of the federal poverty level. The new bill would mandate co-pays for people earning more than 100% of the federal poverty level, which would reach up to $35 per medical service, with some exemptions including emergency and preventive care.

According to the Congressional Budget Office estimates, nearly 12 million more people to be without insurance by 2034 after Trump signs the legislation due to reductions in federal support for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act. 

US President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ tax cut and spending bill has been passed in both the House and the Senate. As part of its provisions, it is expected to bring sweeping changes to the government's Medicaid healthcare program, which covers about 71 million low-income people in the United States. The earlier policies, from the Biden and Obama administrations, aimed at easier access to healthcare for millions. According to the Congressional Budget Office estimates, nearly 12 million more people to be without insurance by 2034 after Trump signs the legislation due to reductions in federal support for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act. This would undermine the finances of hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centres, as they will need to absorb more costs of treating uninsured people. Some may cut on services and employees, while some may even shut down. Here are key healthcare provisions under the bill: Mandatory work Currently, Medicaid enrollees are not subject to work requirements. Under the new bill, Medicaid enrollees would have to work, do community engagement activities or attend school for a minimum of 80 hours to qualify for the programme. They will have to regularly file paperwork, ensuring they are meeting the new requirements, which are set to start in January 2027. This would end coverage of millions of people who do not meet the new standards. More frequent checks for eligibility The states will be required to conduct a check to see if people still qualify for Medicaid twice a year instead of once. This would affect about 20 million people who got enrolled through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expansion, which includes those making around $21,600 a year or less in 2025. The new bill would also prevent people from being eligible to sign up for Medicaid in more than one state at the same time. Stricter rules for states Money raised for the Medicaid programme was often raised from taxes imposed on hospitals and healthcare providers until now. The new bill would restrict how much money states can collect from these taxes. It would also impose stricter rules about which services can be taxed and how the money is distributed across providers. This could make it harder for states to get extra federal money, which may lead to funding cuts, especially in rural areas. Although the bill includes a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals. Immigrants rules Mediciad is currently eligible for some immigrants who are legally in the US after a five-year wait. However, under the new bill, refugees, some abused spouses and children, and people granted asylum will not be eligible. Cost-sharing requirements Currently, Medicaid gives states an option to charge nominal co-payments for people with incomes over 150 per cent of the federal poverty level. The new bill would mandate co-pays for people earning more than 100% of the federal poverty level, which would reach up to $35 per medical service, with some exemptions including emergency and preventive care.

According to the Congressional Budget Office estimates, nearly 12 million more people to be without insurance by 2034 after Trump signs the legislation due to reductions in federal support for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act.&nbsp;

Will Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ put 12 million people at risk of losing Medicaid? Here’s what you need to know

US President Donald Trump's Big Beautiful Bill officially landed on his table awaiting his signature, which will be completed with a signing ceremony Today, July 4. Republicans on Thursday, July 3, passed the bill in the Senate with a narrow margin of 218-214. In his truth social post, Trump declared the passing of “ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT.” With the passing of the much-debated 1000-page bill, how will the lives of Americans be affected?&nbsp;<h2>Here are the 10 major changes that are set to kick in once the bill passes. &nbsp;&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>Permanent tax cuts, including zero tax on tips, overtime pay, social security benefits and an expanded child tax credit. &nbsp;Child tax credit will increase by $2,200. People living in high-tax states, the SALT deduction gap (State and Local Tax) will be reduced from $10,000 to $40,000. Seniors earning under $75,000 will deduct an additional $6,000.&nbsp;</li><li>Massive cuts to Medicaid. Billions slashed from healthcare and food assistance programs, assisting millions. Parents with children aged 15 or older have to work 80 hours to keep their coverage.&nbsp;</li><li>The 2017 tax cuts will be made permanent, benefiting corporate and high earners the most. The bill gives $4.5 trillion in tax relief. Medicaid providers will get a tax cut by reducing the rate from 6% to 3.5% by 2031. But with a one-year delay in implementation.&nbsp;</li><li>Massive investment in the border with $46 billion for the wall, $45 billion for detention centres. Total defence investment of a whopping $350 billion, with $25 million for defence expansion, such as Golden Dome, increasing ICE presence, and deploying Marines. It also introduced $30 billion for out-of-control deportation fees.&nbsp;</li><li>Focus shifts from clean energy to fossil fuels, with significant scaling back on incentives in renewables.</li><li>Reduction of the federal workforce, streamlined operations of government agencies, and reduced civil servant incentives.</li><li>Overhaul of SNAP benefits, putting 40 million recipients, including some of the nation's most vulnerable populations, at greater risk of food insecurity. An estimated cut of $230 billion over 10 years.</li><li>Introducing a new student loan repayment plan that will increase the monthly payments. Reducing the repayment plans from four to two: a standard plan and the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). This will increase repayment by $2,929 per year for students with college degrees.</li><li>Defunding the Planned Parenthood clinic. It will prevent any healthcare clinic that provides abortion care from receiving Medicaid funds.</li><li>Rolling back from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plans, eliminating the Federal mandate around DEI policies. The House also passed a provision stripping broadband funding from states that regulate AI.</li></ul><h2>Who are the winners and losers?</h2>Trump's Big Beautiful Bill is likely to cause big pain for the lower and lower-middle class people, and the youth. It reduces the social welfare blanket, food security and will put a large portion of the population at risk. On the other hand, tax cuts will prove to be a major boost for the upper-middle class and corporations. Massive defence spending also implies a violent international policy and a severe crackdown on immigration.

President Trump is likely to sign the Big Beautiful Bill today, with massive changes in taxes, healthcare, AI, immigration, and border security. Here are the 10 changes that will affect Americans when the bill is passed.

US President Donald Trump's Big Beautiful Bill officially landed on his table awaiting his signature, which will be completed with a signing ceremony Today, July 4. Republicans on Thursday, July 3, passed the bill in the Senate with a narrow margin of 218-214. In his truth social post, Trump declared the passing of “ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT.” With the passing of the much-debated 1000-page bill, how will the lives of Americans be affected? Here are the 10 major changes that are set to kick in once the bill passes. Permanent tax cuts, including zero tax on tips, overtime pay, social security benefits and an expanded child tax credit. Child tax credit will increase by $2,200. People living in high-tax states, the SALT deduction gap (State and Local Tax) will be reduced from $10,000 to $40,000. Seniors earning under $75,000 will deduct an additional $6,000. Massive cuts to Medicaid. Billions slashed from healthcare and food assistance programs, assisting millions. Parents with children aged 15 or older have to work 80 hours to keep their coverage. The 2017 tax cuts will be made permanent, benefiting corporate and high earners the most. The bill gives $4.5 trillion in tax relief. Medicaid providers will get a tax cut by reducing the rate from 6% to 3.5% by 2031. But with a one-year delay in implementation. Massive investment in the border with $46 billion for the wall, $45 billion for detention centres. Total defence investment of a whopping $350 billion, with $25 million for defence expansion, such as Golden Dome, increasing ICE presence, and deploying Marines. It also introduced $30 billion for out-of-control deportation fees. Focus shifts from clean energy to fossil fuels, with significant scaling back on incentives in renewables. Reduction of the federal workforce, streamlined operations of government agencies, and reduced civil servant incentives. Overhaul of SNAP benefits, putting 40 million recipients, including some of the nation's most vulnerable populations, at greater risk of food insecurity. An estimated cut of $230 billion over 10 years. Introducing a new student loan repayment plan that will increase the monthly payments. Reducing the repayment plans from four to two: a standard plan and the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). This will increase repayment by $2,929 per year for students with college degrees. Defunding the Planned Parenthood clinic. It will prevent any healthcare clinic that provides abortion care from receiving Medicaid funds. Rolling back from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plans, eliminating the Federal mandate around DEI policies. The House also passed a provision stripping broadband funding from states that regulate AI. Who are the winners and losers? Trump's Big Beautiful Bill is likely to cause big pain for the lower and lower-middle class people, and the youth. It reduces the social welfare blanket, food security and will put a large portion of the population at risk. On the other hand, tax cuts will prove to be a major boost for the upper-middle class and corporations. Massive defence spending also implies a violent international policy and a severe crackdown on immigration.

President Trump is likely to sign the Big Beautiful Bill today, with massive changes in taxes, healthcare, AI, immigration, and border security. Here are the 10 changes that will affect Americans when the bill is passed.

Big Beautiful Bill of Trump: Here are the 10 changes that will affect Americans

&nbsp;The White House is preparing to take on criticism from Senate Republicans over planned Medicaid cuts by arguing that the changes will only impact those who, in their view, should not have been on the programme in the first place.A group of Republican senators has raised concerns about the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the major tax and spending package passed by the House last month. However, senior officials close to President Donald Trump told POLITICO the reductions are designed to exclude undocumented immigrants and able-bodied individuals who are not working.“This bill will preserve and protect the programs, the social safety net, but it will make it much more common sense,” said Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on Sunday. “That’s what this bill does. No one will lose coverage as a result,” he added.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-i-applied-there-and-didn-t-get-in-journalist-reveals-why-trump-is-beating-up-harvard-us-president-responds-1748948035479">'I applied there, and didn’t get in': Journalist reveals why Trump is ‘beating up’ Harvard, US president responds</a><h2>Work rules and immigration status key to new eligibility</h2>The legislation would introduce new work requirements for Medicaid and block undocumented immigrants from accessing the programme. Supporters of the bill argue these measures will result in hundreds of billions in savings over the next ten years.According to official projections, around 7.6 million low-income people could lose coverage as a result of the proposed changes. While the White House claims the focus is on narrowing eligibility to those who “deserve” assistance, health experts warn that the effects may extend well beyond undocumented immigrants and unemployed adults.Additional paperwork and tougher requirements could make it more difficult for eligible Americans to stay enrolled, leading to many losing coverage even if they meet the criteria.<h2>Trump officials stress support for elderly and disabled</h2>The administration has continued to publicly stress that the plan will not affect elderly or disabled Americans who rely on Medicaid.“Medicaid does not belong to people who are here illegally, and it does not belong to capable and able-bodied men who refuse to work,” said one White House official.White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Trump would “protect and preserve Medicaid” by “kicking illegal immigrants off of the program and implementing commonsense work requirements,” adding that the public had voted for such policies.<h2>Lessons from past backlash</h2>The proposed changes come despite Republicans facing major setbacks in 2017 over attempts to roll back health care coverage. Efforts to repeal Obamacare that year were met with strong public opposition and were seen as a factor in the GOP’s poor performance in the following midterm elections.But Trump officials believe the current strategy could prove more popular, especially if the cuts are seen as targeted efforts to protect the system for those who need it most.The messaging is also in line with Trump’s policy, framing policies as simple choices between those who belong and those who do not. Just as he has done with immigration and trade, Trump is presenting Medicaid reform as a way to protect American resources from those he sees as taking unfair advantage.

The legislation would introduce new work requirements for Medicaid and block undocumented immigrants from accessing the programme. Supporters of the bill argue these measures will result in hundreds of billions in savings over the next ten years.

The White House is preparing to take on criticism from Senate Republicans over planned Medicaid cuts by arguing that the changes will only impact those who, in their view, should not have been on the programme in the first place. A group of Republican senators has raised concerns about the proposed cuts to Medicaid in the major tax and spending package passed by the House last month. However, senior officials close to President Donald Trump told POLITICO the reductions are designed to exclude undocumented immigrants and able-bodied individuals who are not working. “This bill will preserve and protect the programs, the social safety net, but it will make it much more common sense,” said Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, on Sunday. “That’s what this bill does. No one will lose coverage as a result,” he added. Also read: 'I applied there, and didn’t get in': Journalist reveals why Trump is ‘beating up’ Harvard, US president responds Work rules and immigration status key to new eligibility The legislation would introduce new work requirements for Medicaid and block undocumented immigrants from accessing the programme. Supporters of the bill argue these measures will result in hundreds of billions in savings over the next ten years. According to official projections, around 7.6 million low-income people could lose coverage as a result of the proposed changes. While the White House claims the focus is on narrowing eligibility to those who “deserve” assistance, health experts warn that the effects may extend well beyond undocumented immigrants and unemployed adults. Additional paperwork and tougher requirements could make it more difficult for eligible Americans to stay enrolled, leading to many losing coverage even if they meet the criteria. Trump officials stress support for elderly and disabled The administration has continued to publicly stress that the plan will not affect elderly or disabled Americans who rely on Medicaid. “Medicaid does not belong to people who are here illegally, and it does not belong to capable and able-bodied men who refuse to work,” said one White House official. White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Trump would “protect and preserve Medicaid” by “kicking illegal immigrants off of the program and implementing commonsense work requirements,” adding that the public had voted for such policies. Lessons from past backlash The proposed changes come despite Republicans facing major setbacks in 2017 over attempts to roll back health care coverage. Efforts to repeal Obamacare that year were met with strong public opposition and were seen as a factor in the GOP’s poor performance in the following midterm elections. But Trump officials believe the current strategy could prove more popular, especially if the cuts are seen as targeted efforts to protect the system for those who need it most. The messaging is also in line with Trump’s policy, framing policies as simple choices between those who belong and those who do not. Just as he has done with immigration and trade, Trump is presenting Medicaid reform as a way to protect American resources from those he sees as taking unfair advantage.

The legislation would introduce new work requirements for Medicaid and block undocumented immigrants from accessing the programme. Supporters of the bill argue these measures will result in hundreds of billions in savings over the next ten years.

Illegal immigrants, ‘able-bodied’ non-workers: 7.6 million in US may lose Medicaid, but Trump admin says they ‘didn't deserve it’

A 51-year-old Chicago-based Indian-American doctor pleaded guilty to two federal counts of healthcare fraud, for billing Medicaid and private insurers for treatments that were never provided.&nbsp;

Progressive Women's Healthcare, a gynaecology and obstetrics speciality, was owned and controlled by Mona Ghosh.

Ghosh and her staff had filed payment claims to Medicaid, TRICARE, and many other insurance companies for operations and services that were either not medically required or not rendered at all.

According to the United States Attorney's Office, Ghosh "fraudulently overstated the length and complexity of in-office and telemedicine visits and submitted claims using billing codes for which the visits did not qualify to seek higher reimbursement rates."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-supreme-court-rules-trump-has-some-immunity-from-prosecution-737142">US Supreme Court rules Trump has some immunity from prosecution</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-supreme-court-rules-trump-has-some-immunity-from-prosecution-737142/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Attorney's Office further stated that she admitted to fabricating medical records to back up the fake claims for payment to the insurance companies.

Ghosh, the Indian-American physician from Inverness, Illinois, pleaded guilty to two counts of healthcare fraud on June 27. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/domestic-violence-tennessee-introduces-us-first-of-its-kind-gps-tracking-law-737089">Domestic violence: Tennessee introduces first-of-its-kind GPS tracking law in US</a>

According to the US Attorney's office, Ghosh is responsible for getting at least USD 2.4 million (about Rs 20.03 crore) in reimbursements through fraud. A US court will determine the total sum during the sentence.

Ghosh was charged with healthcare fraud in March of last year after a federal grand jury indicted her. CBS News stated that the indictment reported that the doctor and her clinic used deceptive methods to acquire USD 796,000, or approximately Rs 6.64 crore.

Thirteen charges of healthcare fraud were brought against Ghosh, and each carries a ten-year prison sentence.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 51-year-old Chicago-based Indian-American doctor pleaded guilty to two federal counts of healthcare fraud, for billing Medicaid and private insurers for treatments that were never provided.

A 51-year-old Chicago-based Indian-American doctor pleaded guilty to two federal counts of healthcare fraud, for billing Medicaid and private insurers for treatments that were never provided. Progressive Women's Healthcare, a gynaecology and obstetrics speciality, was owned and controlled by Mona Ghosh. Ghosh and her staff had filed payment claims to Medicaid, TRICARE, and many other insurance companies for operations and services that were either not medically required or not rendered at all. According to the United States Attorney's Office, Ghosh "fraudulently overstated the length and complexity of in-office and telemedicine visits and submitted claims using billing codes for which the visits did not qualify to seek higher reimbursement rates." Watch | US Supreme Court rules Trump has some immunity from prosecution × Attorney's Office further stated that she admitted to fabricating medical records to back up the fake claims for payment to the insurance companies. Ghosh, the Indian-American physician from Inverness, Illinois, pleaded guilty to two counts of healthcare fraud on June 27. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 22. Also read: Domestic violence: Tennessee introduces first-of-its-kind GPS tracking law in US According to the US Attorney's office, Ghosh is responsible for getting at least USD 2.4 million (about Rs 20.03 crore) in reimbursements through fraud. A US court will determine the total sum during the sentence. Ghosh was charged with healthcare fraud in March of last year after a federal grand jury indicted her. CBS News stated that the indictment reported that the doctor and her clinic used deceptive methods to acquire USD 796,000, or approximately Rs 6.64 crore. Thirteen charges of healthcare fraud were brought against Ghosh, and each carries a ten-year prison sentence. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American doctor admits to $2.4mn fraud, faking treatment for higher insurance payouts

In a significant legal victory for transgender rights, US District Judge Robert Hinkle on Wednesday (June 21) struck down a Florida rule and statute that prohibited state Medicaid payments for transgender healthcare. This marks the second defeat in two weeks for anti-transgender legislation in Florida.&nbsp;

<h2>What the judge said</h2>

Judge Hinkle declared the state's practices invalid, stating that they violated the constitutional right to equal protection under the 14th Amendment, as well as the federal Medicaid statute and the Affordable Care Act's prohibition of sex discrimination.

The ruling, as per Reuters, was not unexpected. Judge Hinkle had already issued a partial block on Florida's ban on gender-affirming care for individuals under 18 on June 6.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-identity-is-real-judge-places-temporary-halts-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-transgender-children-601490">'Gender identity is real': Judge temporarily halts Florida law banning gender-affirming care for trans kids</a>

In his 54-page ruling, Judge Hinkle emphasised the reality of gender identity. He said that those who oppose transgender existence "tend to disapprove all things transgender and so oppose medical care that supports a person's transgender existence."

He also noted that gender identity is a real aspect of a person's life.

"The elephant in the room should be noted at the outset. Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear," he wrote in his ruling.

<h2>Anti-trans laws and the United States</h2>

Similar laws banning gender-affirming care have been blocked by district court judges in other states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, Republican lawmakers have however introduced over 500 bills restricting LGBTQ rights during the past legislative year, with more than 70 of them passing into law.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musks-tweet-on-whatisawoman-fans-twitter-buzz-heres-all-you-need-to-know-600021">Elon Musk's tweet on #WhatIsAWoman fans Twitter buzz. Here's all you need to know</a>

So far, 20 states have enacted laws banning gender-affirming care for minors. The sponsors of these laws claim that they aim to protect children who may be misled by parents and doctors and later regret their gender transition.

<h2>Who was behind the lawsuit?</h2>

The plaintiffs in the case included two transgender adults, August Dekker and Brit Rothstein, as well as two transgender minors who filed under pseudonyms.&nbsp;

On the opposing side was the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and its secretary, Jason Weida.

<h2>What is Medicaid?</h2>

Medicaid, as per the US Department of Health and Human Services, &nbsp;is a joint federal and state programme that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.

The AHCA had initially approved Medicaid payments for gender-affirming care, but in 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the agency to conduct a new analysis, which led to a reversal of the decision.&nbsp;

Judge Henkin found that the subsequent process was biased and aimed at justifying a predetermined outcome, rather than conducting a fair analysis of the evidence.&nbsp;As per him, the AHCA "retained only consultants known in advance for their staunch opposition to gender-affirming care."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In a significant legal victory for transgender rights, US District Judge Robert Hinkle on Wednesday (June 21) struck down a Florida rule and statute that prohibited state Medicaid payments for transgender healthcare.

In a significant legal victory for transgender rights, US District Judge Robert Hinkle on Wednesday (June 21) struck down a Florida rule and statute that prohibited state Medicaid payments for transgender healthcare. This marks the second defeat in two weeks for anti-transgender legislation in Florida. What the judge said Judge Hinkle declared the state's practices invalid, stating that they violated the constitutional right to equal protection under the 14th Amendment, as well as the federal Medicaid statute and the Affordable Care Act's prohibition of sex discrimination. The ruling, as per Reuters, was not unexpected. Judge Hinkle had already issued a partial block on Florida's ban on gender-affirming care for individuals under 18 on June 6. Also read | 'Gender identity is real': Judge temporarily halts Florida law banning gender-affirming care for trans kids In his 54-page ruling, Judge Hinkle emphasised the reality of gender identity. He said that those who oppose transgender existence "tend to disapprove all things transgender and so oppose medical care that supports a person's transgender existence." He also noted that gender identity is a real aspect of a person's life. "The elephant in the room should be noted at the outset. Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear," he wrote in his ruling. Anti-trans laws and the United States Similar laws banning gender-affirming care have been blocked by district court judges in other states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Republican lawmakers have however introduced over 500 bills restricting LGBTQ rights during the past legislative year, with more than 70 of them passing into law. Also read | Also read | Elon Musk's tweet on #WhatIsAWoman fans Twitter buzz. Here's all you need to know So far, 20 states have enacted laws banning gender-affirming care for minors. The sponsors of these laws claim that they aim to protect children who may be misled by parents and doctors and later regret their gender transition. Who was behind the lawsuit? The plaintiffs in the case included two transgender adults, August Dekker and Brit Rothstein, as well as two transgender minors who filed under pseudonyms. On the opposing side was the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and its secretary, Jason Weida. What is Medicaid? Medicaid, as per the US Department of Health and Human Services, is a joint federal and state programme that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. The AHCA had initially approved Medicaid payments for gender-affirming care, but in 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the agency to conduct a new analysis, which led to a reversal of the decision. Judge Henkin found that the subsequent process was biased and aimed at justifying a predetermined outcome, rather than conducting a fair analysis of the evidence. As per him, the AHCA "retained only consultants known in advance for their staunch opposition to gender-affirming care." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Federal judge upholds transgender rights, strikes down Florida's Medicaid ban on healthcare

According to health and human services, at least 15 million Americans could lose access to their health care coverage as various states in America start checking everyone's eligibility for the first time in three years.

Who is eligible for Medicaid? | 83 million Americans on Medicaid program

Two women, who work with a Detroit non-profit organisation dedicated to helping the city's Hispanic population, are unhappy with the Trump administration's new rules that could deny green cards to immigrants if they use forms of public assistance like food stamps or Medicaid.

Detroit advocates upset with new immigration rules

medicaid

Medicaid, News on Medicaid, stories on Medicaid, articles on Medicaid, Medicaid stories at Wion, Medicaid news, Medicaid latest news