President Trump’s first proposed budget chops 18% from Department of Health and Human Services funding and adds millions of dollars to combat healthcare fraud for fiscal 2018.

The president’s budget plan was released March 16, and like virtually all others before it, was roundly criticized by groups dissatisfied with their projected funding. 

That includes healthcare providers, since HHS is slated for a  $15.1 billion cut in funding.

As has become custom, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle declared the budget “dead on arrival” and not passable in its original form. 

Healthcare aspects highlighted by the administration include a $70 million boost to the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control program to enhance the “integrity and sustainability” of the Medicare and Medicaid programs.