The Left seems to always prioritize illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens. But now things have been taken to the extreme.
And a liberal administration has made a shocking immigration move that steals millions from taxpayers.
In a significant revelation highlighting fiscal mismanagement, California has been found to owe the federal government $52.7 million after Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration improperly claimed Medicaid reimbursements for services provided to non-citizens.
This finding, detailed in a recent inspector general report, underscores a troubling pattern of misappropriation of federal funds at a time when the state is already grappling with a massive budget deficit.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducted an audit that uncovered California’s illegal provision of services to “noncitizens with unsatisfactory immigration status” through Medicaid.
According to federal law, Medicaid reimbursements for non-citizens are strictly limited to emergency medical services.
However, the audit revealed that California had been claiming reimbursements for non-emergency services provided to non-citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, which is explicitly prohibited.
Between October 2018 and June 2019, the Newsom administration utilized an outdated calculation method that failed to exclude services provided to non-citizens from the federal reimbursement claims.
This miscalculation led to a significant over-claim of $52.7 million in federal funds, as highlighted in the OIG report.
In response to the findings, the OIG issued a set of recommendations to rectify the issue.
These included refunding the improperly claimed $52.7 million to the federal government and working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine and refund any additional improperly claimed reimbursements for periods not covered by the audit.
The California Department of Health Services has acknowledged the findings and committed to repaying the federal government in full by June 30.
Despite this commitment, the revelation has raised serious concerns about the state’s financial management and the oversight mechanisms in place to prevent such misappropriations.
This fiscal misstep comes at a particularly challenging time for California.
The state is facing a daunting budget deficit of at least $45 billion.
In response to this shortfall, Governor Newsom has announced substantial cuts across various sectors, including nearly $200 million from law enforcement and judicial funding.
These cuts have sparked widespread criticism and concern over the potential impact on public safety and the justice system.
The misuse of federal Medicaid funds and the resulting financial liability further strain California’s already precarious financial situation.
Many citizens argue that the Newsom administration’s fiscal irresponsibility not only undermines the state’s financial stability but also reflects broader issues of governance and accountability.
“California’s financial mismanagement under Governor Newsom is nothing short of a disaster,” said a spokesperson for the California Business and Industrial Alliance.
“Misappropriating federal funds meant for healthcare and then slashing critical public safety budgets in response to a self-inflicted deficit is irresponsible and dangerous.”
“Governor Newsom’s administration has once again shown its inability to manage California’s finances effectively,” said State Assemblyman Kevin Kiley.
“The improper Medicaid claims are just the latest example of a pattern of fiscal mismanagement that is harming Californians.”
As California prepares to repay the $52.7 million to the federal government, there are calls for increased oversight and accountability to prevent similar issues in the future.
Lawmakers and watchdog groups are urging the state to implement stricter financial controls and ensure that all federal funds are used appropriately and transparently.
As the state grapples with a substantial budget deficit and the fallout from these financial missteps, it is imperative that measures are put in place to restore fiscal integrity and public trust.
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