Watch CBS News

Bachmann Joins Senator To Request Medicaid Audit

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and a state senator are calling for a state and national audit of Medicaid.

Bachmann and Sen. Sean Nienow, a Cambridge Republican, said at a Tuesday news conference that the companies handling taxpayer-funded health care plans have profited from poor oversight and payment structure while low-income Minnesotans and doctors have suffered.

A report last month showed Minnesota has overpaid health maintenance organizations like Health Partners and Medica by at least $207 million. Several doctors say they've struggled to give care to poor patients because the state's reimbursement rates are too low.

Nienow is pushing for a larger audit of Minnesota's Medicaid system and has another bill allowing the state to recoup overpaid funds.

Bachmann says the problems are widespread. She's calling for a nationwide audit.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.