State investigators have opened fraud investigations into two autism‑service providers that were recently terminated from the Medicaid program, drawing fresh criticism toward Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Senate candidate and lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan.
State agencies confirm investigations
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) told Fox News Digital that it has open investigations into the Milestone Development Center and the Spectrum Therapy Center. “These agencies are on our radar,” a DHS spokesperson said. “If a provider is part of an open investigation, the department cannot by law disclose details.”
According to the spokesperson, both centers were removed from the Medicaid program several months ago as part of “Minnesota Revalidate 2026,” a process that verifies agencies have the required credentials and comply with state and federal regulations. Both providers have appealed the terminations.
Connection to Flanagan’s viral video
Milestone Development Center is run by Nimco Ahmed, a longtime friend of Flanagan. Ahmed appeared beside Flanagan in a viral video on Somali TV in which Flanagan, wearing a hijab, said, “The Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota.” The video was widely shared on social media and highlighted Flanagan’s outreach to the state’s Somali community.
Ahmed, who was born in Somalia, has been a DFL activist for nearly 25 years. The investigation into her autism center has therefore become a focal point for critics of Flanagan’s Senate campaign.
Critics and supporters weigh in
Townhall columnist Dustin Grage posted on X, “Nimco Ahmed, who stood alongside Peggy Flanagan wearing a hijab, runs an autism center that is now under investigation. You can’t make this stuff up.” Conservative influencer “LibsofTikTok” added, “It just never ends,” while retired NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro wrote, “I can’t even keep up anymore.” These comments reflect a wave of criticism that Flanagan is being asked to address.
Flanagan’s campaign has not issued a formal response to the investigations, and Fox News Digital was unable to secure comment from her office.
Former therapist raises concerns
Alpha News reported that former Milestone therapist Grant Morgan worked at the center for two months in late 2023, providing services six days a week. Morgan said he never saw a Qualified Supervising Professional (QSP) or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) overseeing the work, and that many practitioners appeared unqualified in applied behavior analysis.
He also noted that he was never asked to write or sign session notes, which are essential for Medicaid billing. Morgan described the treatments as ineffective, claimed some clients did not appear to be autistic, and said he observed potential billing‑fraud red flags, although he was not involved in billing himself.
Ahmed’s response
When approached by Alpha News, Ahmed said the outlet was biased because she is Somali. She denied that Milestone lacked QSP or BCBA oversight, asserted that all children served had autism diagnoses, and maintained that the center follows state requirements and undergoes regular audits.
Fox News Digital also reached out to Milestone for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Political implications
The investigations arrive as Flanagan seeks the Democratic Senate nomination while serving as lieutenant governor since 2019. Critics argue the probe raises questions about oversight and accountability in agencies that receive public funds, while supporters point to the ongoing appeals and the fact that no formal charges have been filed.
Regardless of political affiliation, the case underscores the importance of rigorous state oversight of Medicaid providers and highlights how personal associations can become flashpoints in a competitive campaign.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
