Scott County officials warn Minnesota's disability services are strained as DHS payment reviews slow providers

Scott County officials and contracted disability service providers told county commissioners on a panel that Minnesota's long-term services and supports system is under significant strain because of delayed MNChoices assessments, a DHS prepayment review that has paused some provider payments, and planned changes to waiver rules that still require federal approval.

"This initial delay once we move through that provider, there won't be quite as much of a lag as there was with this initial wave," said Britney Lane, Aging and Disability Services, describing the DHS prepayment process put in place in October to increase program integrity. County staff, however, said the review has caused immediate cashflow problems for some small providers.

Melissa Hurt, who works in children and adult disability services, said Scott County has been notified that five providers were asked not to provide services on an ongoing basis, affecting about 14 to 15 clients. "We're connecting with case managers trying to get ahead of the game just to make sure that we're communicating with providers," Hurt said, describing county efforts to advocate…