North Hennepin News

In a recent letter to the Acting Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rep. Kristin Robbins and her legislative colleagues have called for a federal audit of Minnesota's Department of Human Services (DHS). They highlighted extensive misuse of public funds in various Medicaid programs, including Housing Stabilization Services, autism treatment programs, recovery services, and non-emergency medical transportation.

Rep. Robbins stated that "for years, DHS has failed to prevent massive fraud and abuse, costing taxpayers what will be over $1 billion when investigations are said and done," according to Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, Joseph Thompson. She emphasized the need for accountability through an independent federal audit.

This request follows numerous federal search warrants and criminal investigations related to Medicaid billing fraud in Minnesota. Despite warnings from the state's Office of the Legislative Auditor, DHS leadership has not been held accountable or implemented significant reforms.

Robbins expressed that "the people of Minnesota deserve to know where their money is going and why so little has been done to stop this theft." She urged for immediate action through a federal audit to address the issue efficiently. "Taxpayers and vulnerable Minnesotans are counting on us to stop the fraud," she added.

The letter also included signatures from Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring), GOP Chair of the Health Finance and Policy Committee Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley), and GOP Chair of the Human Services Finance and Policy Committee Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne).