CLEVELAND — A Minnesota addiction recovery company accused of Medicaid fraud and under investigation by the FBI has made its way to Ohio.
Kyros Recovery LLC, a Minnesota-based addiction recovery organization has been under fire over the last year following extensive reporting from 3News' sister station KARE 11 in Minneapolis. Concerns and active complaints grew so loud that the FBI began interviewing former clients and employees of Kyros and its affiliated nonprofit, Refocus Recovery, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services also announced its own investigation.
"DHS can confirm the existence of an ongoing investigation regarding Kyros and Refocus Recovery," the department's Inspector General Kulani Moti said at a legislative session this past February.
3News Investigates discovered Kyros has now planted its flag in Ohio, operating out of an office building in Columbus, according to state records.
Kyros specializes in "peer services," where people in recovery are paid to help others also battling addiction.
Records with the state show Kyros registered in Ohio in March 2023, but 3News Investigates has learned they've recently been recruiting. We got in contact with a recovery professional who interviewed with Kyros. The person didn't take a job, but confirmed the recovery group is looking to expand.
The Kyros website features posts about employment opportunities in Ohio, including "peer supporter" roles in Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, and just about every other major city in the state. It also offers an "Ohio virtual outpatient program."
We reached out to Kyros for more information about their plans for future work, emailing them as well as calling several numbers listed for their public relations team, offices, and ethics hotline. After leaving messages, there has not been a response.
On at least one of the Kyros office numbers, an automated message plays:
"We regretfully inform you that effective today, we are no longer providing assessment or peer services to Kyros, as Kyros Care has permanently closed its office headquarters located at 401 Second Avenue North, Suite 500, Minneapolis, Minnesota, effective Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.
"This decision did not come without concern for assessors, peers and the client concerned. The impact to lives with this decision breaks our heart.
"We have appreciated your dedication to our mission to make recovery possible for anyone. Please help that live on in your communities however you are able."
Plans might be changing moving forward, as the company announced that their Minnesota offices are closing. The news came just days after the state cut Medicaid funding to Kyros' affiliated nonprofit, citing credible allegations of fraud.
3News Investigates has also been in contact with the Ohio Department of Medicaid and Secretary of State's Office for clarification on how recovery companies are allowed to operate and draw from Medicaid funding. It's unclear how, or if, any of this changes their plans to do business in Ohio.
3News Investigates will update this story as more information becomes available.