News
Minnesota DHS talks federal Medicaid funding hold, potential changes to system
2+ hour, 53+ min ago (421+ words) ST. PAUL " The state appears to be one step closer to potentially getting back hundreds of millions in Medicaid funds from the federal government. The Minnesota Department of Human Services gave an update on the federal withholding of Medicaid dollars…...
Farmers face greater risk with planting insurance option removed
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (673+ words) BISMARCK " North Dakota farmers will be without a key federal crop insurance option this year as they prepare for spring planting. As part of federally subsidized crop insurance, farmers are insured when the weather prevents them from planting a crop....
Minnesota Department of Human Services shares initial analysis in third-party audit for fraud
1+ mon, 3+ week ago (233+ words) ST. PAUL " The Minnesota Department of Human Services announced an initial analysis from a third-party audit of 14 state Medicaid programs at "high risk" for fraud. The initial finding identified $1.03 billion in claims vulnerable to fraud and $52 million in direct recoveries....
'Strategic affiliation' between ND Blues and Oregon health insurer receives go-ahead
2+ mon, 2+ day ago (461+ words) FARGO " North Dakota's largest health insurer and a soon-to-be five-state health insurance enterprise based in Oregon have received the go-ahead to join forces. The North Dakota Insurance Department approved a "strategic affiliation" between Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota…...
Port: F5 Project founder may have personally profited from nonprofit's contract with state
2+ mon, 2+ week ago (255+ words) MINOT " A top executive of the F5 Project may be personally profiting from a contract with the state of North Dakota to provide housing for sex offenders. The most recent contract, which was provided to me, was signed by F5 CEO Adam…...
Seniors must pick replacement for discontinued Medicare Advantage plans
4+ mon, 3+ week ago (470+ words) FARGO " This year's open enrollment period for seniors covered by Medicare Advantage plans is causing turmoil for those whose plans are being discontinued " and failure to choose a replacement plan can result in a loss of coverage. Faced with skyrocketing…...
Plain Talk: 'We are not collecting what we charge"
5+ mon, 2+ week ago (407+ words) Godfread, specifically, pointed to research his office has done in North Dakota " he's called it a "secret shopper" study " showing wide disparities in pricing for routine procedures between the state's hospitals. In some cases, the price difference is as much…...
North Dakotans face steep rise in health insurance without federal tax credits, commissioner warns
5+ mon, 2+ week ago (966+ words) BISMARCK " North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread is sounding the alarm on the significant increase to health insurance facing tens of thousands of North Dakotans if the federal government doesn't renew tax credits by the end of the year. Unless…...
Bursack: Medicare Open Enrollment starts Oct. 15
5+ mon, 2+ week ago (211+ words) Dear Readers: Medicare annual open enrollment begins Oct. 15, 2025, for 2026 coverage. My usual advice stands. Ignore the calls, look over the mail if you'd like, but only make changes through Medicare.gov or a licensed agency that is not tied to…...
Tens of thousands of North Dakotans could see health insurance premiums spike, ND commissioner says
5+ mon, 3+ week ago (235+ words) BISMARCK " North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread is urging Congress to act quickly on health care subsidies that help thousands of residents afford coverage. The issue is central to the current federal government shutdown. In just weeks, the Affordable Care…...