Help is here for families who lost a Medicaid provider after Minnesota’s revalidation process

$2 billion is a lot of money.

Every penny was on the line for Minnesota’s Medicaid program after the federal government

threatened to withhold the money in response to prosecutors reporting that a portion of the

$20.3 billion spent on high-risk Medicaid programs in Minnesota since 2018 was fraudulent.

For families who depend on state providers for care for their autistic child, for example, the

threat is real.

“I want to acknowledge how stressful and disruptive it can feel to families around the

uncertainty of providers,” said Mor Vue, assistant commissioner, Minnesota Department of

Human Services.

To stop the federal government from withholding up to $2 billion from Minnesota’s Medicaid

program, the state had to meet a May 31, 2026, deadline to revalidate its more than 5,500

providers and make sure they are fully compliant. The process was called Minnesota Revalidate.

“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 at mn.gov/dhs/find-care.