By Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA, on Immigration Updates
CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz recently claimed in a tweet on X that audits revealed over $1 billion in federal Medicaid funds were spent on healthcare for undocumented immigrants. However, experts contend that Oz mischaracterized routine administrative errors. The audits in question were unrelated to immigration status and involved common issues like states incorrectly requesting federal reimbursement for state-funded programs. Leo Cuello, a research professor at Georgetown University, described these audits as "the most vanilla and normal thing that happens all the time," noting that CMS regularly monitors such claims.
Beyond the factual inaccuracy, experts warn that Oz's rhetoric contributes to a chilling effect on healthcare access. Nina Yamanis, a professor at American University's School of International Service, emphasized that undocumented immigrants are largely ineligible for Medicaid due to verification requirements, and that even if the $1 billion figure were accurate, it would represent less than one-tenth of one percent of Medicaid cuts. The misleading claims exacerbate an existing climate of fear that discourages both undocumented and lawfully present immigrants from seeking necessary medical care, which has broader public health consequences.
For more information on this, and other immigration matters, contact the attorneys at Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA today.
Reference:
Hannah Harris Green, Medicaid Chief's Claim $1bn Is Spent on Healthcare for 'Illegal Immigrants' Is False, Say Experts, THE GUARDIAN (Nov. 10, 2025), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/10/medicaid-head-mispending-claims
