DHS Launches Review After Client Alleges Taxpayer-Funded Care Provider Refused Assistance

DHS Launches Review After Client Alleges Taxpayer-Funded  Care Provider Refused Assistance

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is investigating allegations that a taxpayer-funded care provider failed to deliver promised daily supports to a vulnerable client, who says staff sometimes told him to “do it yourself.”

Cain Pence, a participant in DHS’s Integrated Community Supports (ICS) program, relies on the program for daily care and housing assistance. He told reporters that, on multiple occasions, staff refused to help with basic tasks. Pence shared letters from the DHS Office of Inspector General confirming he filed complaints in October 2024 and again in May 2025.

In a May 27 letter to Pence, the DHS Office of Inspector General said it had referred his report to the department’s Program Integrity Oversight Division for a fraud review — an administrative step aimed at verifying whether services billed to Medicaid or state waivers were actually provided. DHS declined to comment on specifics of ongoing investigations, citing the need to protect their integrity.

Records show that on Aug. 27, DHS issued a corrective order against the license tied to the provider — American Home Maker Services / American Home Health Care LLC — citing failure to provide services as outlined in the client’s support plan. The provider’s management has denied the allegations, insisting that all billed services were delivered.

Pence’s complaint comes amid heightened oversight of Medicaid-funded programs in Minnesota. In recent months, state and federal authorities have conducted audits and investigations into multiple programs, including Housing Stabilization Services (HSS), autism services, and peer-recovery billing practices. DHS has paused payments to some providers and pursued corrective actions, while lawmakers and federal auditors have pressed the department to strengthen program integrity efforts.

What this means for clients and providers

• DHS referrals and corrective orders can lead to expanded investigations, license restrictions, fines, or criminal referrals if wrongdoing is suspected.
• Providers under scrutiny may dispute claims, but state action indicates regulators identified concerns warranting formal intervention.

Reporting Suspected Abuse or Fraud
Minnesota residents can report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or failure to provide taxpayer-funded services through the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) at 1-844-880-1574, or via DHS complaint and inspector general tip lines. DHS works in partnership with law enforcement and federal authorities when fraud is suspected.

MinneapoliMedia