Minnesota Department of Commerce

The Minnesota Department of Commerce is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Heavy Duty Investigator (Trainee). To learn more and apply please visit: https://lnkd.in/gX_c4wZ6

The Minnesota Department of Commerce will hold six public hearings to provide opportunities for the public and interested stakeholders to inform the design of Minnesota’s Home Energy Rebate programs (HER). HER was funded through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which invests $500 billion in the clean energy economy to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was created for the purpose of helping households make energy improvements, like upgrading appliances to efficient electric models, adding insulation, and modernizing home wiring systems. To learn more please visit: https://lnkd.in/gbxi9-DX

We want to hear from you. The Minnesota Department of Commerce will hold six public hearings to provide opportunities for the public and interested stakeholders to inform the design of Minnesota’s Home Energy Rebate programs (HER). To RSVP and attend one of the events please visit: https://lnkd.in/gSB9V4Nk

Three charged with more than $9M in fraud as part of Office’s largest-ever prosecution; two others charged with $1.4M in fraud in connection with separate, multi-year prosecution. Allegations include false documentation, overbilling, billing for services not provided, kickbacks, and diversion of funds for personal uses, among others. “By charging and holding these fraudsters accountable, we are protecting both Minnesotans and safeguarding the integrity of our systems. Our efforts send a clear message that fraudulent activities will not be tolerated, and they will be met with serious consequences,” said Tony Ofstead, Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau Director. https://lnkd.in/gbxi9-DX

💡 Working at Commerce is a BRIGHT IDEA! 💡   The Minnesota Commerce Department Energy Resources Division is seeking a Deputy Commissioner to lead a dynamic, growing team where passion for public service will make an impact on the well-being of all Minnesotans! 

Mental health parity is mandated by federal and state laws. Minnesota Department of Commerce supports mental health parity in a variety of ways. First, Commerce reviews descriptions of treatments and services insurance companies will cover to ensure that mental health parity is reflected in the health plans being offered to Minnesotans. Commerce also produces an annual report that reviews compliance and enforcement of mental health parity laws over the previous year. The 2024 report is expected to be released in June. Lastly, Commerce takes a variety of enforcement actions against insurers for violations of parity laws. These actions include addressing complaints related to parity from consumers and medical providers, providing education for consumers, monitoring of carriers as needed, and, as a last resort, imposing a fine. 

Eight people have been charged as part of a scheme to defraud the Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) program out of nearly $2.6 million, as announced by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, whose office has filed the charges in Rice County District Court. As part of the scheme, the eight co-conspirators engaged in a broad scheme of identity theft, whereby they used the stolen identities of hundreds of separate individuals, largely from the Faribault area, to bill the Medicaid program for services that the victims did not receive and that the co-conspirators did not provide. Collectively, the co-conspirators are charged with 67 felonies, including racketeering, felony theft, and identity theft. Commerce Fraud Bureau Director Tony Ofstead said, “These charges highlight the need for continuously directing resources toward combatting fraud and holding those who commit fraud accountable.” 

It's easier than you think to get scammed by scammers. FOX 9 | KMSP-TV Good Day discussion today with Alix Kendall, Kelly O'Connell and Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold talked about how to spot and prevent senior fraud: https://lnkd.in/dmuPFnBg (see Q&A at minute 10:21) Report senior fraud and learn more: https://lnkd.in/dtWJ5hWq

Mental health parity is mandated by federal and state laws. The Minnesota Department of Commerce works to ensure that your health insurance coverage meets these laws, including those related to mental health and substance use disorder services and treatment. Mental health parity means that health plans must cover care for mental health and substance use disorders in the same way that they cover physical health care. This ensures that more Minnesotans can access the mental health care and substance use disorder treatment they need.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced a settlement in the form of a Consent Order with UnitedHealthcare that stemmed from the Department’s examination of UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. The settlement requires UnitedHealthcare to revamp its policies and procedures to ensure parity in its coverage of mental health care. These changes aim to help remove obstacles and expand access to mental health and substance use disorder care for Minnesotans. “Consumers have the right to access mental health care covered by insurance on par with coverage for other medical care,” Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold said. “Commerce is committed to protecting consumers, ensuring Minnesotans can access mental health care when they need it, and that every insurance company follows the law.” https://lnkd.in/ejZsfk23