POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsCreative Loafing TampaAugust 27, 2026Hillsborough

Grand jury report finds Medicaid settlement funds were 'misappropriated' for political use

A state grand jury report concluded that $10 million from a 2024 Medicaid settlement with Centene Corp. was diverted to political committees supporting Governor Ron DeSantis’ agenda, though no criminal charges were filed due to a lack of evidence identifying who authorized the initial transfer. The funds moved through the Hope Florida Foundation to political action committees staffed by then-chief of staff James Uthmeier before being distributed to the Republican Party of Florida and other political groups.

MedicaidPolitical FinanceGovernment AccountabilityFlorida PoliticsGrand Jury
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa

Why It Matters

The report highlights a lack of accountability for the movement of $10 million in taxpayer-linked settlement funds into political committees, prompting calls from state lawmakers for new legislation to ensure transparency and prevent future misuse of public funds.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Administration accused of misappropriating funds.”personAngie Nixon“Called for Ashley Moody's resignation.”personCasey DeSantis“Helms the initiative associated with the Hope Florida Foundation.”personTracie Davis“Called for new legislation to prevent abuse of public funds.”personJack Campbell“Issued subpoenas for the grand jury investigation.”personAlex Andrade“Chaired the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee and initiated the probe.”organizationHope Florida Foundation“Received $10 million from the Medicaid settlement.”personJames Uthmeier“Named in report as being in a position of authority over settlement funds.”personAshley Moody“Report states she authorized the Centene settlement agreement.”organizationCentene Corp.“Paid a $67 million settlement to the state of Florida.”