SE Minnesota News

Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), along with Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) and Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), has requested a formal investigation into Medicaid fraud in Minnesota. They sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., calling for accountability from Governor Tim Walz for not implementing effective safeguards against fraud.

The lawmakers highlight recent Medicaid fraud as part of a pattern within federally funded, state-administered programs that have misused taxpayer money. "Throughout Governor Walz’s tenure, Minnesota has been the epicenter of waste, fraud, and abuse," they wrote. The fraudulent activities reportedly involve various Medicaid-funded programs such as Housing Stabilization Services and autism-related services.

The letter also points out systemic failures within Minnesota DHS to protect public funds, noting that Minnesota DHS receives about $20.1 billion annually from HHS. "The scale and persistence of these issues suggest that the actual amount of fraud may be significantly higher than currently documented," the letter states.

The lawmakers assert that an independent investigation by the DOJ is necessary to restore public trust and ensure proper use of Medicaid funds: “Federal oversight is critical to restoring public trust, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring that Medicaid funds are used for their intended purpose – supporting vulnerable Minnesotans.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.