Attorney General Keith Ellison’s bipartisan bill to address Medicaid fraud is moving forward in the Minnesota Legislature after being approved by the Senate Finance Committee on May 1. The legislation, called the Medical Assistance Protection Act (MAP Act), was amended into the Supplemental Finance bill and will now be considered by the full Senate.
The MAP Act aims to expand Ellison’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, provide new investigative powers, and strengthen state laws against Medicaid fraud. Supporters say these changes would make it easier to prosecute individuals who steal from Medicaid.
The bill has already passed several committees in both chambers of the Legislature. Its next step in the House is a hearing before the Ways and Means Committee.
“I’m proud of the strong track record of my office in holding Medicaid fraudsters accountable — 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 after much committee review, the MAP Act is now on its way to the Senate floor. I thank Senator Ann Johnson Stewart for her steadfast steering of this bill to this point and hope to have the vote of every senator for this common-sense measure.”
According to information provided by Ellison’s office, his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has secured over 340 convictions and recovered more than $90 million since he took office. Last year, Minnesota ranked among national leaders in investigations per Medicaid expenditure, charges filed for fraud, and convictions related to Medicaid fraud.
Despite these results, Minnesota’s unit operates with fewer staff than other states with similar-sized Medicaid budgets. Federal recommendations suggest increasing staffing as Minnesota’s budget has grown from $13 billion when staffing was set at 32 people to about $20 billion today.
The next steps for the MAP Act include a vote on the Senate floor and further consideration in House committees.