Rep. Shalala Issues Statement on Trump Administration Block Grant Medicaid Plan

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 -- Rep. Donna Shalala, D-Florida, issued the following statement:

"President Trump's so-called "Healthy Adult Opportunity" waiver that would allow states to block grant their Medicaid funding is not only a terrible idea for the vulnerable populations who rely on it, it is also illegal.

"While this new proposal may be sold as a chance to give states more control of their Medicaid programs, federal law already gives states tremendous flexibility when designing and implementing their Medicaid programs.

"This latest move towards block grants by the administration is not about giving states more control, it is solely about cutting Medicaid -- a move that will only punish the communities and families who rely on this critical program."