Minnesota Medicaid Autism Treatment Authorization Backlog Delays Care & Provider Billing

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is working with its fee-for-service prior authorization review contractor, Acentra Health, to clear a backlog of autism treatment plans awaiting approval. The backlog included approximately 1,000 plans as of mid-August 2026, according to Lovaas Institute Executive Director Eric Larsson, who was quoted in a September 4, 2026, CBS News Minnesota report. The plans were submitted by provider organizations on behalf of families awaiting treatment for Medicaid-eligible children. Without the necessary authorizations, provider organizations cannot bill Medicaid for the affected services.

DHS acknowledged the delays in an August 25 . . .