It was a threat that Minnesota took very seriously.
The federal government planned to withhold up to $2 billion from Minnesota’s Medicaid program if the state didn’t meet the May 31, 2026, deadline to revalidate providers. More than 1.2 million Minnesotans rely on Medicaid services, many of whom are children, our most vulnerable residents.
Minnesota met its deadline, but not all providers did, leaving some families hanging. “It can feel really overwhelming, and I want people to know they are not alone,” said Mor Vue, assistant commissioner, Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Minnesota Revalidate was a re-enrollment process to certify that the state’s 5,500 providers of high-risk Medicaid services are fully compliant. According to federal prosecutors, a portion of the $20.3 billion spent on high-risk Medicaid programs in Minnesota since 2018 was fraudulent.
“It was about making sure providers are operating under the law,” Vue said. “Our loved ones deserve to have services that are safe, reliable and high quality.”
To combat systemic fraud and waste, DHS subjected 13 high-risk Medicaid categories to immediate revalidation, which included intense onsite visits. These vulnerable programs largely focus on community-based, behavioral, and disability support, including early intensive developmental and behavioral intervention (EIDBI) for autistic children, alongside adult rehabilitative mental health services, peer recovery, and individualized independent living supports.
During the re-enrollment process, providers had to show valid paperwork, training credentials, and insurance as part of their revalidation application that was due by May 31, a deadline not all of the state’s Medicaid providers met. Disenrolled providers may choose to close permanently or appeal the decision and continue to provide services during the appeal period. The result is uncertainty for Minnesotans whose providers didn’t revalidate.
“You may have to start over with a new provider, and transitions are hard, but we’re trying to minimize those disruptions,” said Vue.
Families can lean on their case manager to find a new provider. Those without a case manager can access guidance on the DHS website. The department will also reach out. “Know that there will be some phone calls, some outreach to you and your family to help connect you to support and services,” Vue explained.
DHS is working with its partners, including counties, Tribes, managed care organizations, and community organizations, to reach any Minnesotan who might be affected by a provider disenrollment.
“Our focus is making sure people continue to receive the care and support they need,” Vue added.
Families can access DHS resources to connect to new services, including directories of providers and more here.
