Summary
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has temporarily stopped payments for 14 Medicaid services for up to 90 days. This pause allows a third-party audit to check for possible fraud. The state aims to identify and prevent improper use of Medicaid funds.
Key Facts
- Payments are frozen for 14 Medicaid services considered "high-risk."
- The pause is part of efforts to combat fraud and improve oversight.
- The services under review include nonemergency medical transportation and adult mental health services.
- Optum, a third-party vendor, will review claims for irregularities.
- The audit may delay payments but aims to ensure funds are properly used.
- Governor Walz's actions align with Executive Order 25-10 to combat fraud.
- Providers may face stricter requirements, like enhanced background checks and surprise site visits.
- Any suspicious claims will be sent to the Office of Inspector General for further investigation.
