Bachmann Seeks Stronger Medicaid Oversight

ST. PAUL (AP) — U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann says she'll introduce federal legislation to force greater oversight of government spending on healthcare programs in response to a federal investigation of how Minnesota administers Medicaid insurance.

Bachmann said Monday at a State Capitol news conference that taxpayers deserve to know if their money is being spent efficiently. She says her legislation would increase audits of Medicaid spending and that she expects to get bipartisan support.

Minnesota's Human Services Commissioner said last week she learned of the investigation last summer but is not authorized to discuss details. State Sen. Sean Nienow joined Bachmann at the press conference to say he'd also push state legislation to require a third-party audit of Minnesota's Medicaid program.

Bachmann says she believes if Medicaid spending lacks proper oversight in Minnesota that it could be a problem elsewhere in the country.