California’s Medi-Cal Scrutinized for Funding Traditional Healers

Louisiana Senator John Kennedy criticized California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, during a recent hearing. The program faces allegations of fraudulent spending practices from the Trump administration, which has spotlighted this situation. Reports indicate that Medi-Cal covers exorcisms and other spiritual practices.

California’s Medicaid spending has increased significantly from $100.7 billion in 2019 to a projected $222 billion in 2026. The Trump administration recently halted $1.4 billion in federal funding for California’s home health and hospice programs following an anti-fraud task force’s findings. This task force, headed by Vice President J.D. Vance, identified an estimated $600 million in potential fraud within the state’s Medicaid system.

Senator Kennedy raised concerns during his questioning of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. He accused Medi-Cal of using taxpayer funds to support religious practices like exorcisms and other indigenous spiritual practices. Traditionally, exorcisms are linked to the Catholic Church.

“California’s got 12% of the population in the last ten years,” Kennedy told Blanche. “They’re responsible for half of these new so-called health providers to provide exorcisms and other things. Now, what the hell are we doing about it? Why has this gone on for so long?”

The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on California’s Medicaid coverage for exorcisms and spiritual rituals. In 2024, Medi-Cal expanded its coverage to include traditional healers and natural helpers within tribal communities. This includes services like music therapy and spiritual interventions funded by taxpayers, as detailed by Governor Gavin Newsom’s office.

To become a state-recognized traditional healer, an individual needs at least two years of experience as a spiritual leader within an American Indian tribe and must be contracted by an Indian Health Care Provider. The role of a natural helper, however, is open to anyone viewed as a “trusted” member of an American Indian tribe.

Governor Newsom stated that the expansion aims to address and heal historical injustices faced by tribes. “By supporting greater access to traditional medicine and healing, we are taking another step toward a healthier, brighter future,” Newsom said in a press release regarding Medi-Cal’s expansion.

Specific details on how much Medi-Cal has spent on services from traditional healers or natural helpers are not available. The California Department of Health and Human Services did not answer questions from Fox News Digital by the article’s publication time.

Elaine Mallon reports on national politics for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.