If there’s one thing bringing state lawmakers together this session, it’s this: Fighting fraud.
In particular, protecting the billions Minnesota spends on Medicaid, the program that serves nearly a quarter of the state’s population, including many of its most vulnerable citizens, and makes up a fifth of Minnesota’s budget.
From launching a statewide independent Office of Inspector General to boosting accountability for health and human services providers, beefing up the battle against waste, fraud and abuse of state tax dollars — especially in Medicaid — is a priority, leaders on both sides of the political aisle said.
However, they have different ideas of how to do it.
“I don’t care who is committing the fraud; we have to stop a lot of it. Period,” said state Sen. Mark Koran, R-North Branch, who wants a new, independent Office of the Inspector General to oversee all state departments.
Gov. Tim Walz’s recent budget proposal included a list of changes to strengthen the integrity of human services programs, particularly involving Medicaid.
“It’s clearly a moment in our history where I believe we need to take some more steps, add some more resources and add to our ability to oversee taxpayer dollars,” Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead told legislators Wednesday. ”I’m proud of what we’ve done so far and it’s time for more.”
Federal and state governments partner to pay for Medicaid services. Minnesota’s program, called Medical Assistance, is generous compared to other states.