U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) addressed the committee during a hearing on the President’s 2026 health care agenda, with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. providing testimony.
In his opening remarks, Crapo emphasized the Administration’s focus on placing patients at the center of the health care system and highlighted efforts to address chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. He stated that there is a renewed focus within HHS on tackling the root causes of these conditions and promoting prevention.
Crapo discussed federal initiatives aimed at aligning payment incentives to encourage healthy living and combat chronic disease. He also noted that the Administration has prioritized reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in federal health programs through improved eligibility and enrollment verification.
He referenced a recent announcement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which identified 2.8 million Americans enrolled in multiple Medicaid or Affordable Care Act Exchange plans simultaneously. According to Crapo, addressing this duplicate enrollment could save taxpayers $14 billion annually, while steps have also been taken to provide states with more immigration information for verifying eligibility for federal health programs.
Crapo underscored legislative action by Congress with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The legislation aims to reduce improper payments in Medicaid and increase personal accountability within the program, focusing resources on vulnerable patients.
The OBBBA also established the Rural Health Transformation Program, described as “the single largest investment in rural health care in decades,” designed to stabilize and modernize rural health delivery systems nationwide.
Crapo acknowledged that some issues discussed are partisan but pointed out a history of bipartisan achievements in health care within the committee. He expressed commitment to working with both the Administration and Ranking Member Wyden on policies related to prescription drug supply chains, telehealth expansion, and physician payment stability.
“Today, we meet to hear from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about President Trump’s 2026 health care agenda.
“Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. While I expect a spirited debate today, I would remind my colleagues that each Senator is limited to five minutes. At the end of the five-minute timeframe, I will gently tap the gavel and encourage my colleagues to conclude their remarks at that time.
“President Trump and Secretary Kennedy have made a steadfast commitment to Make America Healthy Again. Under this Administration, HHS has placed patients at the center of the health care system, empowering them with the tools and information they need to create a healthier future.
“We know that chronic diseases—such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes—are some of the leading causes of death in America. Now, the Department has a renewed focus on tackling the root causes of chronic disease and promoting prevention first.
“I look forward to exploring ways that the federal government can further align payment incentives to support healthy living and fight chronic disease. The Administration has also prioritized efforts to end waste, fraud and abuse in our federal health care programs, including through eligibility and enrollment verification.
“This critical work is not just about saving taxpayer dollars; it is about restoring trust and ensuring vital programs like Medicare and Medicaid are sustainable for generations to come. In July, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the agency identified 2.8 million Americans simultaneously enrolled in multiple Medicaid or Affordable Care Act Exchange plans.
“Stopping this duplicate enrollment, while working with states to ensure individuals do not inappropriately lose coverage, has the potential to save taxpayers $14 billion annually. CMS has also taken steps to provide states with additional immigration information to verify eligibility for federal health care programs.
“Preserving lifelines like Medicaid for those who are legally entitled under the law will ensure long-term sustainability. Congress has bolstered these efforts by passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
“The OBBBA enacts commonsense reforms to reduce improper payments and brings needed personal accountability to the Medicaid program. These reforms will protect Medicaid and refocus the program on the most vulnerable patients the program was intended to serve.
“OBBBA also created the Rural Health Transformation Program—the single largest investment in rural health care in decades—to help stabilize and modernize the rural health delivery system throughout the country. These accomplishments reflect a vision for a health care system that is proactive, efficient and patient-centered.
“While many of the issues discussed today may be partisan in nature, this Committee has a deep history of bipartisan health care accomplishments. I remain committed to partnering with this Administration and Ranking Member Wyden to enact policies that realign incentives in the prescription drug supply chain, expand access to telehealth, and ensure long-term stability in our physician payment system.
“Mr. Secretary, I look forward to hearing from you today about the Administration’s effort to Make America Healthy Again and how we can continue to work together to achieve this shared goal.”
