Fraud and waste: Rural hospitals account for only 7% of total Medicaid hospital spending

On Sunday, the White House released a document debunking speculation about the "One Big Beautiful" bill promoted by President Donald Trump. Among the "myths and realities" it outlined were claims related to the Medicaid and Medicare services Americans currently receive.

One key point the document emphasizes is that the "One Big Beautiful" bill does not "kick American families off Medicaid." Instead, it highlights that the president has repeatedly stated there will be no cuts to the program.

The "One Big Beautiful" bill protects and strengthens Medicaid for those who rely on it—pregnant women, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families—while aiming to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, according to the Oval Office.

The Administration emphasized that the legislation does not include a single cut to welfare programs, stating that it "protects them for all eligible Americans."

The "One Big Beautiful" will not close rural hospitals.

Rural hospitals account for just 7% of total Medicaid hospital spending, which, according to the document, shows they have not benefited from the significant rise in waste, fraud, and abuse under the Biden administration.

"By strengthening Medicaid, we are making more resources available to vulnerable populations and safety net providers, such as rural hospitals. We are expanding protections for rural hospitals, providing targeted funding for rural care, and giving states flexibility to support local providers," it says.

Other "myths" debunked by the Oval Office

The Trump administration also rejected claims that the new bill would cause "people will literally die" or leave millions without access to medical care.

The official statement describes these claims as "one of the most egregious and unhinged attacks from the left, sowing fear instead of facts."

The statement also dismisses other speculated concerns, including benefits for people with disabilities, work requirements for vulnerable Americans, and coverage for at-risk populations.

"Over the past 10 years, CMS admitted that improper Medicaid payments have exceeded half a trillion dollars. Last year alone, taxpayers spent $56 billion on benefits for able-bodied adults, abusing the system, and more than a million undocumented immigrants receive free health care at taxpayer expense."

The White House specifies that the One Big Beautiful Bill will remove undocumented immigrants, establishes work requirements for able-bodied adults and protects Medicaid for those who are truly vulnerable.