Story perspectives

Florida Jury Finds DeSantis Misused $10M Medicaid Settlement

8/28/2026

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DeSantis Misuses Funds

A Florida grand jury found DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, routing it through Hope Florida Foundation to Republican-aligned political committees.
The sealed report urges the legislature to deposit settlement funds in the General Fund and impose penalties on nonprofits misusing taxpayer money.
In October 2024, $10 million went to Hope Florida Foundation, to PACs backing Florida Republicans.
Jurors reported no witness could identify decision-maker and no officials were subpoenaed.

Right

DeSantis Misuse

A Florida grand jury concluded the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, routing it through the Hope Florida Foundation to political committees.
State officials called the report a smear, Governor DeSantis called the findings a hoax, and Attorney General Uthmeier called the probe a Democrat-driven witch hunt.
The jury cited insufficient evidence, unable to identify who directed the $10 million to Hope Florida.

Center

DeSantis Misuse

Florida jury concluded DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, routing it through the Hope Florida Foundation to committees.
The report traced the $10 million to a settlement with Centene over alleged Medicaid overbilling.
Jury said evidence was insufficient for criminal charges as DeSantis called the probe a hoax.
Attorney General James Uthmeier said law bars comment, while candidate David Jolly urged adopting recommendations.

Blindspot

The grand jury report stated that the $10 million originated from a settlement with Centene over alleged Medicaid overbilling.

History

Historical Context

After Centene overbilled Florida by $67 million in 2021, the state and federal governments recovered the amount in 2024, with $10 million routed through the Hope Florida Foundation to nonprofits linked to Governor Ron DeSantis. A probe led by Rep. Alex Andrade in 2025 was halted, but a May 20, 2025 criminal investigation and an October grand-jury inquiry kept the scandal alive, prompting calls for tighter Medicaid oversight.

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DeSantis Misuses Funds

A Florida grand jury found DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, routing it through Hope Florida Foundation to Republican-aligned political committees.
The sealed report urges the legislature to deposit settlement funds in the General Fund and impose penalties on nonprofits misusing taxpayer money.
In October 2024, $10 million went to Hope Florida Foundation, to PACs backing Florida Republicans.
Jurors reported no witness could identify decision-maker and no officials were subpoenaed.

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