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Minnesota Association of Residential Service Homes June 10, 2026

MARSH Continues Advocacy Efforts Amid Revalidate 2026 Concerns

The Minnesota Association of Residential Service Homes (MARSH) continues to actively advocate on behalf of Family Residential Services (FRS) providers and the individuals they serve as concerns surrounding Minnesota's Revalidate 2026 initiative continue to unfold.

Since the beginning of the revalidation process, MARSH has heard from providers across the state who are experiencing significant disruption, uncertainty, and financial hardship. Many of these providers do not operate any of the high-risk Medicaid programs that were the focus of the federal revalidation directive. Nevertheless, they have found themselves caught in a broad administrative process that has resulted in payment interruptions, disenrollments, terminations, and costly appeals.

MARSH supports efforts to protect taxpayer dollars and prevent fraud. Accountability and program integrity are essential components of a strong Medicaid system. However, we believe those efforts must be implemented in a manner that does not create unnecessary harm for legitimate providers or disrupt services for vulnerable Minnesotans who depend on them every day.

Bringing Provider Concerns to Policymakers

Over the past several months, MARSH has worked behind the scenes to ensure that provider concerns are being heard at every level of government.

Our organization has communicated directly with state legislators regarding the impact of the revalidation process as well as the impact of the flat rate system on Family Residential Services providers and the individuals they support. In those conversations and written communications, MARSH has emphasized several key concerns:

  • 1The inclusion of providers who do not operate high-risk Medicaid programs.
  • 2The significant financial, administrative, and emotional burden created by terminations and appeals.
  • 3Payment disruptions affecting providers' ability to continue serving vulnerable Minnesotans.
  • 4The cumulative impact of Revalidate 2026, flat-rate reimbursement changes, and new licensing fees.
  • 5The need for a fair and timely resolution process for providers acting in good faith.

MARSH has encouraged legislators to closely examine how the revalidation process has been implemented and to ensure that efforts to prevent fraud do not unintentionally create barriers for legitimate providers serving Minnesota communities.

Engaging with Federal Officials

MARSH has also elevated these concerns to the federal level.

Our organization has communicated directly with Michael Cutler and representatives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the impact Revalidate 2026 is having on providers who were not involved in the high-risk service categories that prompted federal review requirements.

We have stressed the importance of distinguishing between providers engaged in high-risk activities and those who have faithfully served Minnesotans with disabilities for years without any history of fraud or misconduct.

Our goal is not to challenge the need for oversight, but to ensure that oversight is implemented fairly and that vulnerable Minnesotans do not lose access to critical services because of administrative failures or overly broad enforcement efforts.

Raising Public Awareness

In addition to direct advocacy with policymakers and regulators, MARSH is working to increase public awareness of the challenges facing disability service providers.

We are partnering with media outlets, including KSTP and Access Press, to share the experiences of providers affected by the revalidation process and to highlight the real-world consequences these actions can have on individuals with disabilities, families, guardians, and communities.

Far too often, discussions surrounding revalidation focus on statistics and compliance requirements. MARSH believes it is equally important to tell the stories of the people impacted when services are disrupted, payments are delayed, and providers are forced to devote resources to appeals rather than care.

Keeping the Focus on Those We Serve

At the center of this issue are Minnesotans with disabilities who rely on stable housing, consistent support, and trusted relationships with their providers.

Every payment interruption, termination notice, or administrative delay creates uncertainty not only for providers but also for the individuals and families who depend on these services.

MARSH remains committed to advocating for policies that protect both program integrity and access to care. We believe those goals can and must coexist.

As this situation continues to evolve, MARSH will remain engaged with legislators, DHS leadership, CMS officials, providers, and community partners to ensure that the voices of those affected are heard and that meaningful solutions are pursued.

Thank you to our members for continuing to share their experiences and concerns. Your stories strengthen our advocacy efforts and help policymakers understand the real impact of these decisions on Minnesota communities.

Together, we will continue working to protect the services, supports, and stability that Minnesota's most vulnerable citizens deserve.

To share your experience with the revalidation process or learn more about MARSH advocacy efforts, contact MARSH at admin@marshmn.org or visit marshmn.org.