House passes legislation to extend window for prosecuting medical assistance fraud

Combating fraud in state programs has been a consistent theme this session, with many anti-fraud bills being discussed, including a high-profile bill that would create an independent Office of the Inspector General.

But there are many other ways to fight fraud, says Rep. Andrew Myers (R-Tonka Bay).

He sponsors HF4425 that would increase the statute of limitations period for medical assistance fraud and other thefts of government funds from six years to 10 years after the commission of the crime.

“This bill isn’t just about protecting taxpayer dollars,” he said. “It’s about protecting the integrity of the programs that we have that serve Minnesotans.”

His fellow representatives overwhelmingly agreed by passing it 133-0 Monday. The bill’s next stop is the Senate.

These types of fraud are complex, can involve layered transactions in multiple different organizations, and can take years to uncover, Myers said. “By the time some of these investigators identify what’s happening, the legal window is closing."