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Walz lays out anti-fraud proposal
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has set out 18 recommendations for preventing fraud in Minnesota. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has more.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A new set of anti-fraud proposals has been introduced by Gov. Tim Walz, aiming to strengthen Minnesota's efforts against fraud.
New anti-fraud proposals introduced
What we know:
Gov. Tim Walz presented 18 recommendations to combat fraud, including increased penalties, enhanced use of AI, and changes to existing rules. The proposals also suggest more audits and updated technology.
Republicans expressed interest in the governor's ideas, particularly those involving unannounced audits and banning state contracts for individuals convicted of fraud. Rep. Jim Nash, (R-Waconia), told us he likes the AI idea so much he suggested it himself more than a year ago. Their endorsement of bills won’t come, though, until they see what’s actually in the bills.
Efforts to combat fraud in Minnesota
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Walz unveils anti-fraud plan, blasts Trump over Medicaid pause
Minnesota Gov. Walz unveiled his plan to respond to widespread fraud in the state while decrying the Trump administration's pause of Medicaid funding. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has the full report.
The Walz administration highlighted significant progress in tackling fraud, especially after the Trump administration withheld nearly $260 million in Medicaid funding. The state's human services inspector general has referred more than 300 potential fraud cases for prosecution.
John Connolly, the Minnesota Medicaid Director, emphasized the state's ongoing efforts and the Walz administration’s belief that the Trump administration’s focus is not solely on fraud. The governor says it’s just retribution.
What we don't know:
The executive branch has not yet released the redacted vulnerabilities and remedies from the initial Optum audit of high-risk programs. Legislators are pushing to get those details.