Minnesota suspends payments to housing assistance company accused of fraudulently billing Medicaid $1.2M — several clients say they were left homeless waiting for help that never came

New investigations

Julie Quiroz was homeless in the winter of 2024 when she saw a flyer for housing assistance in a gas station bathroom. She called the provider, Liberty Plus, and the man on the phone promised help. She gave them her Medicaid insurance information but no one followed through. Quiroz and her dog spent that winter in her car.

“To be just filled with hope ... and you’re sitting there in the cold thinking, ‘Any day now, any day now.’ And that ‘any day’ never comes,” she told KARE 11.

Only after she was quoted in a news article about her frustration with HSS services, Liberty Plus reached out to her.

KARE 11 has a Liberty Plus document with her signature on it, but Quiroz says she never signed anything.

“They didn’t do s—,” she told KARE 11. “Sorry for swearing.”

Quiroz requested her records. Instead, she received a voicemail from Liberty Plus informing her, “It would be best to part ways.” She never got documentation for the services they claimed to have delivered.

According to KARE 11, HSS providers — Leo Human Services, North Home Health Care, South Home Health Care, and Liberty Plus — are tied to Adow and his "partner" Muhammad Omar. State records also list a separate company, Motto Express, run by Omar and registered to the Adow’s Blaine home.

North Home Health Care, operated by Omar, billed the state more than $1.6 million in 2024, per DHS data. Omar is also listed as running South Home Health Care, which billed nearly $393,000. Liberty Plus, registered to Anwar Adow, billed more than $772,000 — yet its website features stock images and placeholder text like “Caregiver Name” on its “Meet Our Team” page.

Leo Human Services, North Home Health Care, South Home Health Care, and Liberty Plus are now under active investigation by DHS. The agency told KARE 11 that when one provider is suspended, they also investigate associated individuals and entities: “We take swift action to suspend payments to any provider or individual that is associated with credible allegations of fraud.”

A federal investigation into HSS fraud in Minnesota is also underway, and state lawmakers are now pushing for reforms, according to the report.

Dave Ramsey’s plan has people crushing debt fast

Drowning in debt? Dave Ramsey’s viral 7-step method is helping people wipe it out and finally build real savings. No gimmicks—just a clear plan that works. Moneywise breaks it down so you can get started in minutes. If you’re serious about getting ahead, don’t miss this.

See the steps

What to do if you've been targeted by a fraudulent housing assistance company

Medicaid fraud is mostly committed by providers, not beneficiaries, according to KFF.

If you suspect a provider has billed Medicaid or any health plan fraudulently in your name, you can take these steps:

• Request your records: Ask the provider in writing for a copy of your service records and any signed documents.
• Check your insurance explanation of benefits (EOB): Look for services billed that you don’t recognize.
• Contact the DHS Office of Inspector General: Call the fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603 or submit a complaint online. You can also contact the state DHS on a fraud hotline.
• File a police report: If you believe your identity or signature was used without your permission, notify law enforcement.
• Avoid unverified providers: When seeking services, check that the provider is licensed through DHS or another state authority. Be cautious of providers advertising in non-traditional spaces, like gas station bathrooms or social media, without clear credentials.

These programs are meant to offer stability to vulnerable Minnesotans. But as stories like Quiroz’s show, a lack of oversight can allow bad actors to take advantage of the situation. As investigations continue, clients, advocates, and lawmakers are demanding that public dollars serve the people they’re meant to help.