For 50 years, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) has been at the forefront of advocating for members of the disability community across our state. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we are encouraged by the media’s increased efforts to bring attention to crucial issues impacting so many of our constituents. From personal journeys to legislative actions, critical concerns to joyous celebrations, your stories are becoming part of community conversations. We want to highlight this ongoing media coverage and share some of these important news stories.
Please note: The links on this page point to external content. While we continue to encourage media outlets to make their digital content accessible, we cannot guarantee the accessibility of this material. Additionally, some of this material may be hosted behind a paywall.
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March 20, 2026
Oz Escalates Medicaid Fraud Claims Against States After Focus on Minnesota
KFF Health News reported that the Trump administration may extend to other states the same Medicaid enforcement approach it used in Minnesota. The story quotes Sumukha Terakanambi, a public policy consultant with MCD, saying, “Of course we support going after fraud,” but “this overly aggressive action is missing the point. It’s not punishing fraudsters. It’s punishing the people.” Federal officials could withhold more than $2 billion in Medicaid payments to Minnesota and seek to recover nearly $260 million from the previous year.
Oz Escalates Medicaid Fraud Claims Against States After Focus on Minnesota
Self-Driving Cars Are Here. Minnesota Lawmakers Debate How to Regulate Them
MPR News reported that Minnesota lawmakers are debating how to regulate self-driving cars as the vehicles begin operating in Minneapolis without much state regulation on the books. The article quoted Rob Wudlick, Vice Chair of the Minnesota Council on Disability, who said, “One thing I’ve learned is that accessibility in our community does not come voluntarily.” Wudlick urged lawmakers to require accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible vans in each fleet, in state law.
Self-driving cars are here. Minnesota lawmakers debate how to regulate them
March 11, 2026
Lyft to Make Sure Service Animals Can Ride with Owners, After Minnesota Complaint
The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that Lyft reached a settlement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights after Tori Andres said drivers repeatedly denied her rides because she uses a service dog. Speaking at a March 11 press conference, David Dively, executive director of the Minnesota Council on Disability, said dependable transportation is critical for people with disabilities and that service animals support equal access and autonomy. Andres will receive $63,000 under the agreement, and Lyft must add app features, provide more driver training, and remain under state monitoring for three years.
Lyft to make sure service animals can ride with owners, after Minnesota complaint
February 26, 2026
White House to Pause $259M in Minnesota Medicaid Dollars in Fraud Crackdown
The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that the Trump administration plans to halt $259 million in Medicaid payments to Minnesota, citing concerns about fraud in the state’s social services programs. The administration said it will withhold the funds until Minnesota submits a corrective action plan, and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said the state has 60 days to respond. At a “Disability Rights on Hold” event in Minneapolis, Sumukha Terakanambi, a public policy consultant with the Minnesota Council on Disability, said decisions like this can destabilize services for people with disabilities.
White House to pause $259M in Minnesota Medicaid dollars in fraud crackdown
February 5, 2026
Hundreds Gather for Town Hall on Harm Caused by Minnesota Fraud Mitigation
Access Press reported on MCD’s statewide discussion to address harm linked to Minnesota’s Medicaid fraud mitigation efforts. The event, hosted on February 4, 2026, drew more than 700 people. Participants described both delayed payments and service disruptions. MCD Executive Director David Dively said, “This is not a theoretical harm.” He noted that sudden lapses in service have already been linked to a death. When polled, 80% of attendees said they felt “concerned,” “overwhelmed,” or “afraid.”
Hundreds gather for town hall on harm caused by Minnesota fraud mitigation