Minnesota lawmakers push new tools to vet fraud risk

Republican and DFL lawmakers are rolling out parallel anti-fraud plans at the Capitol that would change how Minnesota vets grant applicants and human-services providers, with direct implications for Twin Cities nonprofits and Medicaid contractors. One GOP bill backed by some House Democrats would introduce a formal 'risk score' for grant applicants, forcing groups to spell out internal controls and structures before they see a dime. Separate DFL Senate proposals would tighten provider standards, mandate more state audits and electronically verified unannounced site visits, while trying to dial back blanket prepayment reviews that have been choking legitimate operators. Another bill would lock in annual data-matching by the Department of Human Services to confirm ongoing medical-assistance eligibility and require overdue reports to the Legislature — a function DHS has largely skipped since the pandemic. For metro residents watching DHS scandals, CMS deferrals and UCare’s collapse, this package represents the first concrete attempt this session to hard‑wire better vetting into state law instead of just talking tough about fraud after the money’s gone.