Taxpayer spending on 'exorcisms' derails Senate testimony: 'What the hell are we doing about it?'

Sen. John Kennedy criticized California's Medicaid program (Medi-Cal) for covering exorcisms and other faith-based healing practices during a Senate hearing. The criticism comes as the Trump administration investigates fraud in California's Medicaid system, which has seen spending more than double since 2019. California expanded Medi-Cal coverage in 2024 to include traditional healers and spiritual practices within tribal communities, citing efforts to address historical inequities.