By the Associated Press
The Trump administration is taking its immigration crackdown to the health care safety net, launching Medicaid spending probes in at least six Democratic-led states that provide comprehensive health coverage to poor and disabled immigrants living in the US without permanent legal status.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is scouring payments covering health care for immigrants without legal status to ensure there isn’t any waste, fraud, or abuse, according to public records obtained by KFF Health News and The Associated Press. While acknowledging that states can bill the federal government for Medicaid emergency and pregnancy care for immigrants without legal status, federal officials have sent letters notifying state health agencies in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington that they are reviewing federal and state payments for medical services, such as prescription drugs and specialty care.
The federal agency told the states it is reviewing claims as part of its commitment to maintain Medicaid’s fiscal integrity. California is the biggest target after the state self-reported overcharging the federal government for health care services delivered to immigrants without legal status, determined to be at least $500 million, spurring the threat of a lawsuit.
By the Associated Press
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba welcomed President Trump’s signing of an order to implement lower tariffs on automobiles and other Japanese imports as a step that addressed uncertainty for key industries.
The reduction to 15 percent from the previous 25 percent was agreed between the two sides on July 22.
“Tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States was the top priority for the government and we have put all our effort into achieving an agreement in a best possible way as soon as possible,” Ishiba said Friday. “The way it was achieved … is just excellent.”
By the Associated Press
President Trump will attend Sunday’s men’s final of the US Open, returning to a tournament he once frequently attended for the first time in a decade.
The White House confirmed the visit Thursday night. Trump is expected to make a daytrip to New York and return to Washington after the match, which begins at 2 p.m. No. 1 seed and defending champion Jannik Sinner is playing Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday. The other semifinal match features Novak Djokovic against Carlos Alcaraz.