Bachmann wants independent audit of state’s Medicaid program

WASHINGTON - Michele Bachmann is stepping up her campaign for federal officials to take a deeper look at how Minnesota's Medicaid managed care plans operate.

Later today, the Minnesota Republican congresswoman will send a letter to Marilyn Tavenner, the head of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, asking that the federal government conduct an independent, third-party audit of Minnesota's management of the federal-state health care program for the poor.

Bachmann's request comes after a House hearing in April that paid particular attention to Minnesota's contracts with nonprofit managed care organizations and UCare's $30 million payment to the state in 2011.

Under President Obama's 2010 health care law, which Bachmann has stridently opposed, Medicaid will expand to cover an additional 30 million Americans who are currently uninsured. Bachmann and other Republicans are concerned that Medicaid exerts poor oversight over states and contractors who manage Medicaid plans.

Bachmann plans to introduce legislation later this month to require independent Medicaid audits in all states.

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