Bulwark Takes The $10M Scandal That Could Bring Down DeSantis!
May 2, 2025
In a revealing conversation, Alex Glorioso, a state government reporter for the Miami Herald, dives into the unfolding scandal surrounding Ron DeSantis's 'Hope Florida' initiative. This controversial program funneled $10 million from Medicaid settlements into anti-marijuana efforts, sparking investigations into potential money laundering and fraud. Glorioso highlights how even some Republicans are now questioning DeSantis's actions. As legal allegations unfold, the implications on DeSantis's political future could be significant.
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Hope Florida's Welfare Privatization
- Hope Florida diverts welfare and Medicaid aid from government to private community groups, often churches.
- This privatization intends to reduce government benefit outlays by relying on faith-based and nonprofit organizations.
Secret $67M Medicaid Settlement
- Florida settled a $67 million Medicaid overbilling lawsuit with Centene quietly, unlike other states.
- The settlement's financial flows were undisclosed publicly until investigative reporting revealed them.
$10M Medicaid Money Redirected
- A $10 million allocation from the Medicaid settlement was directed to Hope Florida Foundation secretly.
- Legislators were unaware of this large settlement money diversion until investigative inquiry revealed it.