In the near future, I will be introducing a resolution directing LBFC to conduct a study of our state’s medical assistance programs, also known as Medicaid.

Medicaid is a crucial service that helps our state’s vulnerable populations obtain and maintain health care. When Medicaid is exploited or mismanaged, the healthcare of our state’s vulnerable populations is put at risk.

Within the last ten years, two separate studies by the United States Office of Inspector General have found issues with Medicaid in Pennsylvania. A 2017 report claimed that Pennsylvania could have saved millions of dollars if we held contracts to certain standards, and a 2024 report found $551 million in Medicaid funds were improperly claimed.

Beyond what is happening in Pennsylvania, there are things being brought to light in other states that suggest state Medicaid programs may be vulnerable to fraud from malicious actors.

In light of these past reports finding issues with our state’s Medicaid program and the questions raised by events elsewhere, I believe it is prudent that we study our state’s Medicaid program.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure that a program which benefits our most vulnerable populations is not being exploited or mismanaged.