Minnesota Medicaid Autism Treatment Authorization Backlog Reaches 1,000 Treatment Plans

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) backlog of fee-for-service prior authorization approvals reached approximately 1,000 autism treatment plans as of mid-August 2026. 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, 2026, notice to provider organizations.

DHS is working with contractor Acentra Health, its authorization review agent for fee-for-service Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) requests, to clear the backlog. To minimize service . . .