Rep. Backer issues statement on DHS cancellation of contracting process

State Representative Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, issued the following statement today regarding news that the Department of Human Services (DHS) is cancelling its request for proposals for health coverage for families, children, and seniors in a number of Greater Minnesota counties across the state. Instead, DHS will enter into negotiations to renew the current contracts for next year.

This year's contracting process was causing significant disruption for many Greater Minnesota counties.

Recently, DHS issued a decision for state health program contracting. In that decision, DHS chose not to contract with PrimeWest Health, a county-based purchasing plan which provides services through Medicaid and MinnesotaCare to low-income residents in 13 Greater Minnesota counties. Failing to contract with PrimeWest would have negatively impacted how these services were provided to Minnesotans.

“This is great news for families and individuals in our area that depend on life-saving medical services through Medicaid and MinnesotaCare,” said Backer. “DHS’s initial decision and the way it conducted the procurement and health plan selection process displayed a blatant disregard for the role and authority of counties. I look forward to working with DHS this session to ensure that we continue to offer Minnesotans in rural counties choices in their health care options.”