The FBI is investigating possible Medicaid fraud in the treatment of autism in Minnesota, according to sources with knowledge of the investigation and who were granted anonymity because they’re not authorized to speak to the media.
Details of the investigation are unknown, but what’s certain is that growth of spending on the autism program has exploded in recent years. The number of providers — who diagnose and treat people with autism spectrum disorder — has increased 700% in the past five years, climbing from 41 providers in 2018 to 328 last year.
The amount paid to providers during that time has increased 3,000%, from about $6 million to nearly $192 million — according to data provided to the Reformer by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which administers Minnesota’s Medicaid health insurance program for low-income people and people with disabilities.
Must be something in the water up there.
