CMS Announces ‘Increased Oversight’ on Medicaid Use for People in US Illegally
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will more closely scrutinize Medicaid funding “to stop states from misusing federal Medicaid dollars to cover health care for individuals who are in the country illegally,” the agency said in a May 27 press release.
“Medicaid is not, and cannot be, a backdoor pathway to subsidize open borders,” said CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, M.D. “States have a duty to uphold the law and protect taxpayer funds. We are putting them on notice — CMS will not allow federal dollars to be diverted to cover those who are not lawfully eligible.”
The announcement said CMS’s methodology will include “focused evaluations of select state Medicaid spending reports (CMS-64 form), as well as in-depth reviews of select states’ financial management systems, and assessing Medicaid eligibility rules and policies “to close loopholes and strengthen enforcement.”
The increased oversight “aligns with President Trump’s executive order on ending taxpayer subsidization of open borders, reinforcing our commitment to restoring integrity to federal programs, securing the border, and putting Americans first.”
Whirlpool, United Spinal Collaborate on New Dishwasher Rack
Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR) has launched a more accessible, lower-level dishwasher rack, following feedback from members of United Spinal Association.
The new Whirlpool Spin&Load replacement rack spins 360 degrees for greater accessibility. “The Spin&Load Rack is a great example of Whirlpool brand’s commitment to human-centered innovation and inclusive design that empowers families to accomplish the chores on their to-do list,” said April Taylor, associate brand manager at Whirlpool. “It’s important to us that we invest in creating inclusive and diverse products that empower all of our consumers and make a positive difference in their lives.”
The replacement rack allows “easy access to all areas of the lower rack of the dishwasher, reducing the need for individuals to reach or reposition themselves while loading and unloading their dishes,” Whirlpool added. The rack fits all 24-inch Whirlpool dishwashers manufactured after 2018, including Amana, JennAir, KitchenAid, and Maytag dishwasher brands.
The new rack design was initially developed by Whirlpool’s Awareness of Visible and Invisible Disabilities (AVID) resource group. After engineers developed prototypes, members of United Spinal tested out the rack and provided feedback.
Ali Stroker, a Tony Award-winning actress and singer who uses a wheelchair, is working with Whirlpool to market the new design.
“I’m thrilled to join Whirlpool brand in their mission to make the kitchen and home more inclusive for families, and particularly individuals with mobility disabilities, to ensure that they can easily and conveniently tackle the chores on their to-do list,” Stroker said in the press release. “I’ve often had to adapt to the environments around me, and it feels good knowing that Whirlpool brand has designed something that empowers a wide range of individuals and their families to take on the dishes that inevitably pile up to save time and simplify dish duty.”
The rack will be available to order for $149.99 starting in June. Whirlpool also offers a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer, and a refrigerator with inclusive designs and features.
