Accurate, fact-based information is critical in the fight against fraud. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the Minnesota Department of Human Services launched a new fact check webpage to correct misleading information and outright false claims about Medicaid fraud in Minnesota. 

“Speculation, intentional misinformation and amateur investigations will not stop fraud in our state,” said Temporary Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi. “It takes hard evidence to put criminals behind bars. The Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General’s investigations based on hard evidence allow us to stop payments to fraudsters and refer them to the Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecution. While we continue to tighten oversight, we’re also making sure people have a place to go for facts when they hear claims that are intended to justify the defunding of social services programs.” 

Misleading statements presented without facts or data can create confusion about Medicaid services that provide lifesaving and life-sustaining care. Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance, provides health care for 1.2 million low-income Minnesotans, including children, people with disabilities and older adults.  

The first round of fact checks posted on the new webpage address exaggerated Medicaid fraud figures, alleged findings of fraud made in social media videos, and the federal government’s decision to withhold $2 billion in Medicaid funding from Minnesota. 

The new fact check page is part of the state’s Medicaid program integrity website which houses additional resources and information about Minnesota’s fight against fraud.  

Since the fall of 2024, the Minnesota Human Services Department has introduced new processes and reforms to detect and prevent fraud by: 

• Identifying 14 high-risk services and establishing freeze on new service providers in those programs 
• Discontinuing the Housing Stabilization Services program 
• Auditing Autism Service providers, including onsite visits 
• Implementing licensure for autism centers 
• Disenrolling inactive providers 
• Beginning enhanced pre-payment review before fee-for-service payments are made to providers in the 13 high-risk services 
• Conducting onsite visits of 5,800 providers of high-risk services by the end of May 2026