SW Missouri News

Rep. Eric Burlison, currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing Missouri's 7th district, recently addressed concerns over Medicaid spending and accountability through a series of tweets. Burlison has been vocal about fiscal responsibility and reforms necessary to ensure the sustainability of government programs.

On May 7, 2025, Rep. Eric Burlison questioned taxpayer funding for non-working adults while states expand their rolls without oversight. He expressed his concerns with the statement: "Why are taxpayers footing the bill for adults who could be working, while states get a free ride to expand their rolls with zero accountability?"

Later that day, he highlighted the significant increase in federal Medicaid spending over five years, noting that it rose from $409 billion in 2019 to $618 billion in 2024. Burlison warned about the unsustainability of this growth and urged Congressional action: "In the last five years, federal Medicaid spending has skyrocketed from $409 billion in 2019 to $618 billion in 2024, a 51% increase." He stressed that securing this program for future generations is imperative.

Continuing his discourse on Medicaid reform, Burlison condemned fraudulent practices affecting the program's integrity and fiscal health. He criticized schemes like California’s MCO tax and emphasized Congress's duty to address these issues: "It is unequivocally unethical to allow Medicaid to be plundered by fraudulent schemes like California’s MCO tax." He reiterated that maintaining Medicaid's mission requires substantial reform.

Born in Springfield, Missouri in 1976, Eric Burlison resides in Ozark and graduated from Missouri State University. Before joining Congress in 2023, he served in both the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate.