The Republican chair of a key House subcommittee rejected entitlement cuts but pushed for cost-saving measures in healthcare programs.
Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., who leads the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, said GOP lawmakers want to eliminate fraud in Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid.
“We must address this issue because the current system is unsustainable,” Buchanan said Wednesday at Politico’s Health Care Summit.
Tackling National Debt and Healthcare Fraud
Buchanan raised concerns over rising national debt, noting that annual interest payments now exceed $1 trillion. He emphasized the need for more efficient government spending.
“There’s bipartisan agreement that roughly 10% of Medicare spending is lost to fraud or mismanagement,” he said. “That must be fixed.”
President Donald Trump, entrepreneur Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency have prioritized cutting government waste. However, Democrats argue that these efforts could reduce essential services, particularly Medicaid.
No Medicaid Cuts, But Reform is Necessary
Buchanan dismissed claims that Republicans are trying to cut Medicaid, insisting that reform—not reductions—is the goal.
“I don’t support Medicaid cuts. It serves the most vulnerable—children, families, and single mothers,” he said. “I’ll do everything I can to protect it.”
He highlighted inefficiencies, pointing to high childhood obesity rates among Medicaid recipients as a pressing issue.
“We must make these programs more effective while cutting costs,” Buchanan said. “My district has one of the oldest populations in the country, so Medicaid sustainability is critical.”
Work Requirements for Medicare? It Depends
When asked about imposing work requirements for Medicare recipients, Buchanan said it should be evaluated case by case.
“In some situations, it makes sense. But for single mothers raising multiple kids, it’s not realistic,” he said. “This discussion needs careful consideration.”
Last month, Trump told Senate Republicans he supports eliminating Medicaid fraud and waste. While Democrats claim Medicaid benefits should remain unchanged, Trump has signaled that improving efficiency is essential.
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