Rep. Warwas Raises Concerns Over DHS Actions Threatening Rural Medical Transportation
Saint Paul, MN – Representative Cal Warwas (R-Clinton Township) is raising concerns after learning that several non-emergency medical transportation providers have had their enrollment status terminated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, potentially disrupting transportation services for patients across Greater Minnesota.
One provider reported being terminated following a DHS site visit over what appears to be a clerical issue involving employee classification. While the provider plans to appeal the decision, the termination remains in effect during that process.
"When patients depend on these services to get to necessary treatments, doctor's appointments, and other medical care, the state should be focused on keeping transportation available through legitimate providers, not creating barriers through bureaucratic red tape," Warwas said.
Warwas also noted concerns from providers who submitted required recertification paperwork before the federal June 1 deadline but were still awaiting DHS review when their status changed from pending to terminated.
"Many of these providers have served their communities for decades and did everything they were asked to do," Warwas said. "If paperwork needs to be corrected, providers should have the opportunity to fix the issue rather than face immediate termination that could leave patients without reliable transportation."
Warwas is calling on DHS to work with providers to resolve compliance concerns while ensuring patients continue receiving the transportation services they depend on.
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