New commissioner takes over at Minnesota Department of Human Services
As of Tuesday, the troubled Minnesota Department of Human Services has a new leader. Jodi Harpstead, formerly CEO of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, is taking over as commissioner of the state’s largest agency.
Harpstead will lead a department that has seen key leaders resign since a new team was put in place by Gov. Tim Walz. Those resignations came after it was revealed that DHS overpaid two tribes in northern Minnesota by $25 million for services covered by Medicaid. The agency also owes the federal government an estimated $48 million for making improper payments to some treatment facilities.
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Commissioner Harpstead about what lies ahead for the agency.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.