Attorney General Keith Ellison’s legislation to combat Medicaid fraud advanced on March 10 after passing the Minnesota House Judiciary Committee. The Medical Assistance Protection Act, or MAP Act, aims to expand the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), grant new investigative powers, and strengthen state laws to make prosecuting Medicaid fraud easier.
The bill now moves to the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee. It previously passed the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee on February 26. Supporters say the MAP Act will improve efforts to investigate and prosecute those who commit Medicaid fraud by expanding subpoena authority and allowing prosecutors to seek restitution more efficiently.
“Fighting fraud to ensure funds reaches those in need, is a top priority of mine. My office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit regularly ranks as one of the best in the entire country, and it makes all the sense in the world to give them stronger tools and more resources to continue the fight against fraud,” said Attorney General Ellison. “I’m pleased my bill has earned bipartisan support and I will continue working with lawmakers from all parties to get this bill across the finish line and further our fight against fraud.”
According to data cited by Ellison’s office, last year Minnesota’s MFCU ranked sixth nationally in investigations per Medicaid expenditure, fifth in fraud charges, and eighth in convictions. Over six years on average, it ranks fifth for convictions nationwide despite having fewer staff than comparable states. The current MFCU staffing level was set when Minnesota’s Medicaid budget was about $13 billion; with today’s budget at roughly $20 billion, federal recommendations suggest increasing staff.
Provisions under review include expanding subpoena powers so that when investigating provider fraud, the Attorney General’s Office would have similar authority as county attorneys do for welfare cases. The act also allows prosecutors to seek additional restitution at sentencing rather than requiring every dollar be charged before filing a case—a change intended to speed up investigations while maximizing recovery of taxpayer funds.
Supporters argue that these changes will help ensure that public funds are protected and reach those who need them most.
