|
Minnesota is taking steps to supervise autism services providers and some housing services providers more closely.
Starting June 1, the Minnesota Department of Human Services will tighten screening requirements for providers who bill Medicaid for autism services and some housing services. This includes Housing Stabilization Services, which helps older adults and people with disabilities with housing, as well as Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention autism services. The state will re-categorize both types of services as “high risk.”
“It’s clear that these critical services need more oversight,” said temporary Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi. “Moving these providers into the high-risk category is only the first step. We need more staff to put eyes on these programs and make sure everyone is safeguarding resources meant to help children, people with disabilities and older Minnesotans.”
The federal government sets three levels of screening for providers who bill Medicaid: limited, moderate and high risk. Autism services are currently designated moderate risk, while Housing Stabilization Services are considered limited risk. States may choose to move providers into higher risk categories, and that’s what Minnesota will do.
The change will strengthen oversight by:
- Mandating enhanced fingerprint background studies for owners
- Requiring screening visits before Medicaid enrollment and when enrollment is revalidated
- Allowing DHS to make unannounced site visits
Governor Tim Walz’s budget includes a strong slate of strategies to better detect, investigate and penalize fraud. The proposals include adding DHS staff to administer increased screening and enhanced oversight activities, as well as using new technology to detect fraud, strengthening investigation authority and tightening regulatory oversight.
Gandhi made the decision in late March, following internal discussions with DHS staff, to move autism and housing services to high-risk. Providers were given a 30-day notice this week. New providers will need to comply with the requirements beginning June 1. Existing providers will be phased into the new requirements when they renew their Medicaid enrollment.
Many autism services providers and Housing Stabilization Services providers work hard every day to meet pressing needs across Minnesota. DHS encourages providers to reach out if they need technical assistance.
Anyone who suspects fraud or abuse of Medicaid funds is encouraged to report it by calling the DHS program integrity oversight hotline at 651-431-2650 or by visiting mn.gov/dhs/reportfraud. Medicaid is known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota.
– 30 –
|
