Attorney General Keith Ellison announced on May 5 that his bipartisan bill aimed at combating Medicaid fraud has passed the House Ways and Means Committee and is now headed to the Minnesota House floor for final consideration. The Medical Assistance Protection Act, also known as the MAP Act, is designed to expand the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), provide new investigative authority, and strengthen state laws against Medicaid fraud.
The legislation is also being considered by the Minnesota Senate as part of its Supplemental Finance Omnibus bill. The MAP Act seeks to give more resources and legal tools to investigate and prosecute individuals who steal from Medicaid.
“My office’s strong track record in holding Medicaid fraudsters accountable is clear — and Minnesotans want more of it, which is why I’ve fought so hard to pass this bill,” Attorney General Ellison said. “I’m very pleased that the MAP Act is now on its way to the House floor. I thank Representative Norris for successfully steering the bill through the House to this point and hope to have the vote of every member for this common-sense measure.”
Ellison’s MFCU has secured over 340 convictions and recovered more than $90 million since he was first elected. Last year, his office ranked sixth in investigations per Medicaid expenditure, fifth in fraud charges, and eighth in fraud convictions nationwide. Over a six-year average, Minnesota’s MFCU ranks fifth nationally in fraud convictions.
Despite these results, Minnesota’s MFCU operates with a smaller staff compared to states with similar Medicaid budgets. While staffing recommendations are based on a state’s budget size—Minnesota’s current budget being about $20 billion—the unit remains at 32 staff members, a number set when the budget was around $13 billion. Federal health officials recommend increasing staff levels due to this growth.
Observers will be watching closely as both chambers consider final passage of the MAP Act. If approved, supporters say it could further strengthen efforts against Medicaid fraud in Minnesota.
