Finding 2023-008
MDHHS, PACAP - Inappropriate PACAP Allocation
Management Views
MDHHS disagrees the exceptions identified should rise to the level of a significant deficiency and noncompliance. The comprehensive set of quality control processes continue to operate as designed to identify any errors...
Finding 2023-008
MDHHS, PACAP - Inappropriate PACAP Allocation
Management Views
MDHHS disagrees the exceptions identified should rise to the level of a significant deficiency and noncompliance. The comprehensive set of quality control processes continue to operate as designed to identify any errors greater than 5.0 percent of the total difference of the given statistical group from the previous quarter and none of the errors identified in the finding fell outside of this range.
For part a., the auditor’s review included all related statistical records within each statistical group for the 15 sampled cost pools. This includes all statistics used in the cost allocation process for the entire fiscal year because the costs that originate in these cost pools are referenced in all other cost pools. After review of all fiscal year 2023 statistical data, 6 individual statistical records out of 6,548 were found to be in error. After recalculating the cost allocated amounts related to this error, we identified that approximately $15,346 was overclaimed to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) out of $1,732,426,561 (0.0009 percent) of costs allocated in fiscal year 2023 by MDHHS. The other program areas identified were underclaimed.
For part b., MDHHS acknowledges the exclusion of a participant from two quarters (quarter three and quarter four) of the Family Independence Specialists/Eligibility Specialists Random Moment Time Study (RMTS) in the sample. Although the actual dollar value impact of excluding a participant is indeterminable, MDHHS concluded the impact would be immaterial because there are over 6,000 RMTS participants each quarter and RMTS results vary little from quarter to quarter from non-programmatic changes.
Planned Corrective Action
For part a., MDHHS will ensure the vendor’s RMTS report is modified to resolve formatting issues related to trailing zeros in SIGMA codes. Additionally, the vendor and MDHHS staff will individually check to ensure accurate SIGMA codes for those with trailing zeros.
For part b., MDHHS will implement additional quality control processes when gathering the participant list for the RMTS. MDHHS will modify the reports used to gather the participant list to eliminate filtered restrictions for sub-unit codes to ensure all eligible participants are included in the time studies.
Anticipated Completion Date
MDHHS will implement additional quality control measures effective July 2024.
Responsible Individual(s)
Suzanne Kyes, MDHHS
Matt McCool, MDHHS