Minnesota legislators have taken action in response to allegations of overbilling by addiction recovery programs providing peer services. Following a year-long investigation by KARE 11, reforms were passed to address billing abuses and protect taxpayers. The reforms include requiring all recovery peers to be classified as employees, increasing supervision of peers, enhanced auditing of billing to ensure services are necessary, and banning nonprofits with conflicting self-interests.
The investigation found that taxpayer dollars were being misused by a company called Kyros and its nonprofit partner Refocus Recovery. Allegations included fraudulent billing practices, taxpayer-funded movie nights, and billing for services not provided. The reforms aim to prevent similar abuses in the future and hold offenders accountable.
Former clients of Kyros reported errors and discrepancies in billing for peer services, with some instances of overbilling and falsified events. The investigations into Kyros and Refocus Recovery have raised red flags, with possible financial improprieties being brought to light.
The legislative reforms have been met with support from lawmakers and advocates for accountability in the addiction recovery industry. Individuals affected by the overbilling are hopeful that justice will be served. Investigations by federal agencies and ongoing scrutiny of the organizations involved will provide further clarity on the extent of the wrongdoing.
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Photo credit www.kare11.com