Today the Minnesota Star Tribune reported Minnesota’s Department of Human Services (DHS) notified lawmakers that another 17 providers were suspended due to credible allegations of fraud, this time under the Integrated Communities Supports program, which aims to help people with disabilities live independently.

Republican Lead on the Senate Human Services Committee Jordan Rasmusson (Fergus Falls) released the following statement:

"These latest fraud cases in the Integrated Community Supports program are yet another reminder that fraud remains alarmingly pervasive across our human services programs. We must demand stronger oversight, tougher reimbursement reviews, and stiffer consequences for bad actors. 

"Six years ago, we were promised DHS would implement anti-fraud measures under Operation Swiss Watch, but it’s obvious the watch is broken; fraud and DHS dysfunction have accelerated under the Walz administration.

“Minnesotans, especially those with disabilities, deserve integrity, accountability, and service, not being exploited to fund a criminal enterprise."

The reporting today follows an announcement earlier this week from Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson of the first indictment for wire fraud totaling $14 million in the state autism support program. That individual was also involved in the Feeding our Future fraud scheme.

Last week, Thompson announced eight individuals were indicted for fraudulently billing Medicaid about $8 million through the Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program. The state began shutting down HSS last month due to the sheer scope of fraudulent claims. Thompson said the fraud schemes in Minnesota, “form a web that has stolen billions of dollars in taxpayer money.”