Audit 343605

FY End
2024-06-30
Total Expended
$8.73M
Findings
10
Programs
34
Organization: Richmond County (NC)
Year: 2024 Accepted: 2025-02-24

Organization Exclusion Status:

Checking exclusion status...

Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
524371 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes E
524372 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes E
524373 2024-007 Significant Deficiency Yes E
524374 2024-008 Significant Deficiency Yes E
524375 2024-009 Significant Deficiency - E
1100813 2024-005 Significant Deficiency Yes E
1100814 2024-006 Significant Deficiency Yes E
1100815 2024-007 Significant Deficiency Yes E
1100816 2024-008 Significant Deficiency Yes E
1100817 2024-009 Significant Deficiency - E

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
21.027 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds $2.22M Yes 0
93.778 Medical Assistance Program $1.48M Yes 5
93.658 Foster Care Title IV-E $933,423 - 0
93.563 Child Support Services $784,303 - 0
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $689,349 - 0
10.561 State Administrative Matching Grants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program $663,074 Yes 0
10.557 Wic Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children $459,417 - 0
93.667 Social Services Block Grant $291,958 - 0
93.045 Special Programs for the Aging, Title Iii, Part C, Nutrition Services $250,362 - 0
93.568 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance $146,176 - 0
93.596 Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund $127,307 - 0
93.044 Special Programs for the Aging, Title Iii, Part B, Grants for Supportive Services and Senior Centers $122,505 - 0
93.268 Immunization Cooperative Agreements $69,305 - 0
93.767 Children's Health Insurance Program $65,075 - 0
93.354 Public Health Emergency Response: Cooperative Agreement for Emergency Response: Public Health Crisis Response $60,392 - 0
93.994 Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to the States $52,739 - 0
93.217 Family Planning Services $47,380 - 0
93.967 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration with Academia to Strengthen Public Health $44,935 - 0
97.042 Emergency Management Performance Grants $39,698 - 0
93.069 Public Health Emergency Preparedness $34,799 - 0
93.053 Nutrition Services Incentive Program $31,679 - 0
93.991 Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant $30,431 - 0
93.116 Project Grants and Cooperative Agreements for Tuberculosis Control Programs $20,843 - 0
20.106 Airport Improvement Program, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs, and Covid-19 Airports Programs $20,542 - 0
93.556 Marylee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program $13,277 - 0
93.898 Cancer Prevention and Control Programs for State, Territorial and Tribal Organizations $9,500 - 0
93.645 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program $7,423 - 0
93.674 John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood $5,470 - 0
93.659 Adoption Assistance $4,439 - 0
14.228 Community Development Block Grants/state's Program and Non-Entitlement Grants in Hawaii $3,000 - 0
93.110 Maternal and Child Health Federal Consolidated Programs $2,000 - 0
93.917 Hiv Care Formula Grants $789 - 0
93.977 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (std) Prevention and Control Grants $100 - 0
93.323 Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Infectious Diseases (elc) $14 - 0

Contacts

Name Title Type
Q63FZNTJM3M4 Cary Garner Auditee
9109978220 Alan Thompson Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported in the SEFSA are reported on the modified accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Uniform Guidance, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: N/A

Finding Details

Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-005 IV-D Cooperation with Child Support SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-006 Inaccurate Information Entry SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: There were 2 errors discovered during our procedures that referrals between DSS and Child Support Agencies were not properly made. In accordance with the Medicaid Manual MA-3365, all Medicaid cases should be evaluated and referred to the Child Support Enforcement Agency (IV-D). The Child Support Enforcement Agency (IV-D) can assist the family in obtaining financial and/or medical support or medical support payments from the child’s noncustodial parent. Cooperation requirement with Social Services and Child Support Agencies must be met or good cause for not cooperating must be established when determining Medicaid eligibility. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology (NC FAST) and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. In accordance with 42 CFR 435, documentation must be obtained as needed to determine if a recipient meets specific standards, and documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations. In accordance with 2 CFR 200, management should have an adequate system of internal controls procedures in place to ensure an applicant is properly determined or redetermined for benefits. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-004. There were 4 errors discovered during our procedures where income or household size was incorrectly calculated or inaccurate information was entered into the case file. Human error in reading the Automated Collection and Tracking System (ACTS) report and/or ineffective case review process. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure proper information is in place and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. 134
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-007 Inaccurate Resources Entry SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-006. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure correct income and/or household size calculations, proper information is included in the case file, and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-005. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. In accordance with Medicaid Manual MA-2230, Medicaid for Aged, Blind and Disabled case records should contain documentation that verifications were done in preparation of the application and these items will agree to reports in the NC FAST system. In this process, the countable resources should be calculated correctly and agree back to the amounts in the NC FAST system. Any items discovered in the verification process should be considered countable or noncountable resources and explained within the documentation. There were 6 errors discovered during our procedures where resources were incorrectly calculated or were not properly documented in the case file. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. 135
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-007 Inaccurate Resources Entry SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-006. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled toRichmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-008 Inadequate Request for Information SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-007. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and applicants could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Case files should be reviewed internally to ensure correct calculations of resources are made, proper information is included in the case file, and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure all required verifications have been completed and information requested from the applicant/beneficiary or through various systems have been included and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. In accordance with 42 CFR 435, documentation must be obtained as needed to determine if a recipient meets specific standards, and documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations. Electronic matches are required at applications and redeterminations. There were 2 errors discovered during our procedures where required information needed for eligibility determinations were not requested or not requested timely at applications or redeterminations. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. 136 NC FAST and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure correct income and/or household size calculations, proper information is included in the case file, and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-005. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. In accordance with Medicaid Manual MA-2230, Medicaid for Aged, Blind and Disabled case records should contain documentation that verifications were done in preparation of the application and these items will agree to reports in the NC FAST system. In this process, the countable resources should be calculated correctly and agree back to the amounts in the NC FAST system. Any items discovered in the verification process should be considered countable or noncountable resources and explained within the documentation. There were 6 errors discovered during our procedures where resources were incorrectly calculated or were not properly documented in the case file. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. 135
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-008 Inadequate Request for Information SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-007. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and applicants could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Case files should be reviewed internally to ensure correct calculations of resources are made, proper information is included in the case file, and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure all required verifications have been completed and information requested from the applicant/beneficiary or through various systems have been included and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. In accordance with 42 CFR 435, documentation must be obtained as needed to determine if a recipient meets specific standards, and documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations. Electronic matches are required at applications and redeterminations. There were 2 errors discovered during our procedures where required information needed for eligibility determinations were not requested or not requested timely at applications or redeterminations. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. 136
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-009 Untimely Review of SSI Terminations SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 As a result of the lack of a proper eligibility determination, federal funds were distributed to ineligible recipients. Due to the nature of these types of eligibility determinations and the lack of a proper review by the department, the auditor is unable to determine the known or likely questioned costs. Ineffective communication between departments within the Department of Social Services. One area within DSS received State communications that applicants would no longer be eligible for SSI benefits and the County needed to conduct an ex-parte review. This information was not shared with other departments in DSS from which the recipient was also receiving benefits. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. Any State communications related to applicants/beneficiaries should be shared with all areas from which the participant receives benefits. State files should be reviewed internally to ensure all actions have been properly closed and the corrective action has been taken. Workers should be retrained on what process needs to be followed when State communications are received. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) In accordance with the Medicaid Manual MA-3120, the State sends notification to the County when a participant is no longer eligible under a SSI determination. The County has a certain time period to initiate an ex-parte review to determine whether the recipient qualifies for Medicaid under any other coverage group, such as Family and Children's Medicaid, North Carolina Health Choice for Children, Work First Family Assistance, or Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled. There were 3 applicants/beneficiaries not reviewed timely and determined to be eligible for Medicaid when their SSI benefits were terminated. Of these 3 errors, one was determined to be an eligibility error with potential questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. The County did not initiate ex-parte review timely, therefore, no eligibility review was completed in the required time period. The lack of follow up and certification lead to applicants receiving Medicaid benefits for which they were not eligible. SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY: Finding 2024-005, 2024-006, 2024-007, 2024-008, 2024-009 also apply to State requirements and State Awards. Section IV - State Award Findings and Questioned Costs 137
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-005 IV-D Cooperation with Child Support SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-006 Inaccurate Information Entry SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: There were 2 errors discovered during our procedures that referrals between DSS and Child Support Agencies were not properly made. In accordance with the Medicaid Manual MA-3365, all Medicaid cases should be evaluated and referred to the Child Support Enforcement Agency (IV-D). The Child Support Enforcement Agency (IV-D) can assist the family in obtaining financial and/or medical support or medical support payments from the child’s noncustodial parent. Cooperation requirement with Social Services and Child Support Agencies must be met or good cause for not cooperating must be established when determining Medicaid eligibility. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology (NC FAST) and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. In accordance with 42 CFR 435, documentation must be obtained as needed to determine if a recipient meets specific standards, and documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations. In accordance with 2 CFR 200, management should have an adequate system of internal controls procedures in place to ensure an applicant is properly determined or redetermined for benefits. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-004. There were 4 errors discovered during our procedures where income or household size was incorrectly calculated or inaccurate information was entered into the case file. Human error in reading the Automated Collection and Tracking System (ACTS) report and/or ineffective case review process. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure proper information is in place and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. 134
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-007 Inaccurate Resources Entry SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-006. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure correct income and/or household size calculations, proper information is included in the case file, and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-005. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. In accordance with Medicaid Manual MA-2230, Medicaid for Aged, Blind and Disabled case records should contain documentation that verifications were done in preparation of the application and these items will agree to reports in the NC FAST system. In this process, the countable resources should be calculated correctly and agree back to the amounts in the NC FAST system. Any items discovered in the verification process should be considered countable or noncountable resources and explained within the documentation. There were 6 errors discovered during our procedures where resources were incorrectly calculated or were not properly documented in the case file. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. 135
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-007 Inaccurate Resources Entry SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-006. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled toRichmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-008 Inadequate Request for Information SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-007. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and applicants could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Case files should be reviewed internally to ensure correct calculations of resources are made, proper information is included in the case file, and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure all required verifications have been completed and information requested from the applicant/beneficiary or through various systems have been included and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. In accordance with 42 CFR 435, documentation must be obtained as needed to determine if a recipient meets specific standards, and documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations. Electronic matches are required at applications and redeterminations. There were 2 errors discovered during our procedures where required information needed for eligibility determinations were not requested or not requested timely at applications or redeterminations. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. 136 NC FAST and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure correct income and/or household size calculations, proper information is included in the case file, and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-005. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and a participant could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. In accordance with Medicaid Manual MA-2230, Medicaid for Aged, Blind and Disabled case records should contain documentation that verifications were done in preparation of the application and these items will agree to reports in the NC FAST system. In this process, the countable resources should be calculated correctly and agree back to the amounts in the NC FAST system. Any items discovered in the verification process should be considered countable or noncountable resources and explained within the documentation. There were 6 errors discovered during our procedures where resources were incorrectly calculated or were not properly documented in the case file. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. 135
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-008 Inadequate Request for Information SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Identification of a repeat finding: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. This is a repeat finding from the immediate previous audit, 2023-007. For those certifications/re-certifications there was a chance that information was not properly documented and reconciled to NC FAST and applicants could have been approved for benefits for which they were not eligible. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) Case files should be reviewed internally to ensure correct calculations of resources are made, proper information is included in the case file, and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. Ineffective record keeping and ineffective case review process, incomplete documentation, and incorrect application of rules for purposes of determining eligibility. Files should be reviewed internally to ensure all required verifications have been completed and information requested from the applicant/beneficiary or through various systems have been included and necessary procedures are taken when determining eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. In accordance with 42 CFR 435, documentation must be obtained as needed to determine if a recipient meets specific standards, and documentation must be maintained to support eligibility determinations. Electronic matches are required at applications and redeterminations. There were 2 errors discovered during our procedures where required information needed for eligibility determinations were not requested or not requested timely at applications or redeterminations. There was no known affect to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. 136
Richmond County Schedule of Findings and Questioned Costs For The Year Ended June 30, 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 Finding: 2024-009 Untimely Review of SSI Terminations SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: Condition: Questioned Costs: Context: Effect: Cause: Recommendation: Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: Program Name: Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) AL #: 93.778 As a result of the lack of a proper eligibility determination, federal funds were distributed to ineligible recipients. Due to the nature of these types of eligibility determinations and the lack of a proper review by the department, the auditor is unable to determine the known or likely questioned costs. Ineffective communication between departments within the Department of Social Services. One area within DSS received State communications that applicants would no longer be eligible for SSI benefits and the County needed to conduct an ex-parte review. This information was not shared with other departments in DSS from which the recipient was also receiving benefits. The County agrees with the finding. See Corrective Action Plan in the following section. Any State communications related to applicants/beneficiaries should be shared with all areas from which the participant receives benefits. State files should be reviewed internally to ensure all actions have been properly closed and the corrective action has been taken. Workers should be retrained on what process needs to be followed when State communications are received. Section III - Federal Award Findings and Questioned Costs (continued) In accordance with the Medicaid Manual MA-3120, the State sends notification to the County when a participant is no longer eligible under a SSI determination. The County has a certain time period to initiate an ex-parte review to determine whether the recipient qualifies for Medicaid under any other coverage group, such as Family and Children's Medicaid, North Carolina Health Choice for Children, Work First Family Assistance, or Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled. There were 3 applicants/beneficiaries not reviewed timely and determined to be eligible for Medicaid when their SSI benefits were terminated. Of these 3 errors, one was determined to be an eligibility error with potential questioned costs. We examined 60 cases from of a total of 826,901 Medicaid claims from the Medicaid beneficiary report provided by NC Department of Health and Human Services to re-determine eligibility. These findings are being reported with the financial statement audit as it relates to Medicaid administrative cost compliance audit. The County did not initiate ex-parte review timely, therefore, no eligibility review was completed in the required time period. The lack of follow up and certification lead to applicants receiving Medicaid benefits for which they were not eligible. SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY: Finding 2024-005, 2024-006, 2024-007, 2024-008, 2024-009 also apply to State requirements and State Awards. Section IV - State Award Findings and Questioned Costs 137