DHS Offers Limited Expedited Review for Provider Enrollment Backlog

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Kelly Conrad

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is placing renewed focus on a provider enrollment backlog that continues to affect new applications, enrollment changes and provider affiliations across Minnesota Health Care Programs.

DHS has publicly acknowledged that enrollment requests are being processed outside its standard timeframe as staff continue working through the workload associated with Minnesota Revalidate 2026. The department has said it is adding staff to address the backlog while also managing the substantial number of appeals generated through the revalidation initiative.

Many LeadingAge Minnesota members have reported delays of four to six months, creating significant operational and financial challenges for providers.

For organizations still in appeal status following Minnesota Revalidate 2026, the impact may extend beyond the appeal itself. DHS says it may be unable to process new individual provider affiliations connected to an organization while that organization remains in appeal status. According to DHS, the restriction is tied to its responsibility to verify that enrolled providers continue to meet applicable enrollment and screening requirements.

DHS is encouraging organizations with unresolved appeals to submit any outstanding information as quickly as possible. Providers involved in the appeal process should also continue monitoring their MN–ITS mailbox and other DHS communications for Requests for More Information or other required action. DHS notes that providers may be required to respond to an RFMI within seven business days.

A Limited Option for Expedited Processing

DHS has also identified a narrow pathway for providers whose enrollment circumstances are creating an especially significant operational challenge.

In very limited circumstances, DHS may prioritize an individual provider enrollment application or affiliation request when the delay is preventing an organization from meeting enrollment requirements. Providers who believe their circumstances qualify may submit a request for expedited processing through the MHCP Provider Resource Center.

Providers should not interpret this as a general fast-track option. DHS emphasizes that expedited processing is limited and available only in certain circumstances.

What Providers Should Do Now

Organizations experiencing enrollment or affiliation delays should review the status of all pending requests and determine whether an unresolved Minnesota Revalidate 2026 appeal may be contributing to the delay. Providers should promptly respond to outstanding DHS requests, maintain documentation of submissions and communications, and regularly monitor the MPSE portal and MN–ITS for updates.

If a delayed individual enrollment or affiliation is preventing the organization from meeting an enrollment requirement, providers should consider whether their circumstances warrant a request for expedited processing through the Provider Resource Center.

The broader enrollment backlog remains an important issue for providers to watch. DHS currently acknowledges that delays affect new enrollments, re-enrollments and updates to existing enrollment information, underscoring the importance of submitting enrollment actions as early as possible whenever organizations anticipate staffing, ownership or other operational changes.

If you have a provider enrollment application that has been pending for more than three months and the delay could affect continuity of care for your residents, please contact Kelly Conrad, Director of Assisted Living and Adult Day Services, to share information about your situation and discuss whether LeadingAge Minnesota may be able to help.