(KNSI) – The Minnesota Republic Delegation is weighing in on the most recent fraud investigation to sweep the state.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation raided offices in St. Cloud and Minneapolis Thursday morning in connection to overbilling from autism centers. At the heart of the issue is the Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention Program (EIDBI). It receives funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Representatives Tom Emmer, Brad Finstad, Michelle Fischbach, and Pete Stauber say these issues are becoming too common in the state. “Unfortunately, this situation has become the norm under Governor Tim Walz. Minnesotans’ tax dollars meant to help the vulnerable are being stolen by fraudsters with little to no oversight from the Governor’s office or the DFL trifecta. Minnesotans deserve answers.”
The number of autism providers in Minnesota has soared in the past five years. Along with that has been a surge in funding. Federal investigators say they have substantial evidence that providers submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement. There are also concerns over whether the centers were hiring family and other unqualified staff.
A report notes that Star Autism Center in St. Cloud has received $6 million in federal funds since opening in August 2020. The warrant used to execute the search notes that at least 12 people charged in the Feeding Our Future fraud case were connected to the autism centers.
Minnesota House Speaker Designate Rep. Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, spoke Thursday, demanding an immediate pause in payments to anyone or any entity that has already been investigated for fraud in a separate state program.
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