WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned U.S. Attorney General Nominee Pamela Bondi about high costs of health care in rural America, specifically referencing recent reports detailing how insurers have cheated taxpayers out of billions of dollars, including in Vermont. Ms. Bondi assured Senator Welch that, if confirmed, she would work to combat scams and protect consumers from rip-offs. 

Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Pam Bondi, President-elect Trump’s pick to be Attorney General:

“In Vermont, there are incredible challenges for folks trying to get health care. It’s really expensive. And there was a shocking report in the Wall Street Journal about a major insurer that is ripping off taxpayers by overbilling, overprescribing on Medicare Advantage—billions of dollars. The report indicated that insurers are adding diagnoses basically to make money, not to help the patient. That insurers sent nurses to find diagnoses that doctors didn’t find. That insurers got paid to cover patients who were already getting their coverage through the VA. And it adds up to billions of dollars. 

“Vermonters are struggling under the weight of incredibly expensive health care. The False Claims Act Senator Grassley authored is an area where the Attorney General can protect consumers against rip-offs…I want your assurance that in addition to fighting crime—and we’re all in favor of you doing that—you’re going to be there protecting consumers and taxpayers from rip-offs,” said Senator Welch. 

Pam Bondi, Attorney General Nominee, responded: “Absolutely, Senator. When I was Attorney General, we went after a pharmaceutical company—it was Medicaid fraud. I can’t remember the settlement value, it may even be ongoing, but it was a large, large number. People don’t understand that’s hurting the taxpayers, of Florida, of Vermont.” 

Senator Welch concluded: “So, use that False Claims Act that we can thank Senator Grassley for. It’s cold out there in Vermont—we need vigorous enforcement to protect taxpayers and Vermonters from rip-off charges.” 

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