RFK Jr. halts $1B in Medicaid payments to California, Minnesota citing suspected fraud

Published Jul 21, 06:25 PM UTC

The Trump administration, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, announced a pause on $1 billion in Medicare and Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, citing 'suspected fraud and noncompliance.' However, no new evidence of fraud was presented. This action is part of a broader pattern of the administration targeting Democratic-run states, including previous blocks on $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements to California and holding up disaster aid. The article notes that states have successfully appealed such cuts in court before, and Minnesota and California are expected to sue, arguing the White House is acting vindictively.