DHS failed to comply with rules requiring verification of eligibility for MinnesotaCare
The Minnesota Department of Human Services failed to comply with state and federal requirements to verify Social Security numbers and income eligibility for MinnesotaCare participants, according to a new report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor. The problems with verification were first identified by auditors a decade ago, but DHS has failed to resolve with the issue.
Dayton signs legislation establishing health insurance marketplace
Gov. Mark Dayton signed legislation Wednesday morning establishing an online marketplace where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase insurance. It's anticipated that nearly 1.3 million people will obtain insurance through the online market place once its fully established, including 300,000 individuals who currently lack coverage.
DHS Medicaid audit points to problems
A preliminary audit of the state’s Medicaid rates released on March 1 determined that they were “actuarially sound.” That’s the finding that Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson repeatedly stressed during a phone call with reporters the day the report was released.
Magnuson: Act now on MSOP, or courts will
Since October, former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Magnuson has chaired a task force charged with making recommendations to overhaul the state’s policies for dangerous sex offenders.
Delayed audit of Medicaid rates will be released at the end of March
In November, the Minnesota Department of Human Services hired the Segal Company to audit the state's Medicaid rates from 2003 to 2011. The Atlanta-based company was awarded a $150,000 contract to scrutinize Minnesota's rate-setting methodology.
Senate confirms five Dayton commissioners
The Senate on Thursday confirmed five of Gov. Mark Dayton’s cabinet members. Confirmations for Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle and Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius sparked debate before passing.
Feds announce framework for creating successor program to MinnesotaCare
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released details on Wednesday addressing how Minnesota can continue to provide health coverage to individuals currently covered through MinnesotaCare. In its existing form Minnesota's health program for the working poor conflicts with the federal Affordable Care Act.
Legislators introduce bill establishing health insurance exchange
A bipartisan group of legislators unveiled a bill on Wednesday to create a state-administered marketplace where individuals and corporations will be able to purchase health insurance. Minnesota must enact such legislation by the end of March in order to be in compliance with the federal Affordable Care Act, which will be fully implemented in 2014.
Feds prepare audit of Minnesota’s public health care programs
Federal investigators are preparing to audit Minnesota's public health care programs to determine whether federal dollars were properly spent. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Serivces' Office of Inspector General notified the state of its plans in a November 20 letter to Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson.
DHS defends Medicaid reimbursement practices in response to Congress
Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson offered a robust defense of the state's administration of its Medicaid program in a response Thursday to pointed inquiries from Congress. Jesson took umbrage at an assertion that the state has "claimed upwards of $500 million in improper federal Medicaid reimbursement over the past decade."
Congressional leaders seek further answers about Minnesota’s Medicaid program
Congressional investigators continue to dig into the financial details of Minnesota's $8 billion-per-year Medicaid program. On Thursday, a trio of powerful GOP legislators sent a letter to Department of Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson seeking answers to additional questions.
Legislative Auditor clarifies ‘consultation’ on Medicaid audit
On Monday the Department of Human Services announced that it was seeking an independent audits of the state's Medicaid rates from 2003 to 2011. In the letter announcing the probe, DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson stated that the request for proposals had been developed in "consultation" with the Legislative Auditor.
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