Finding Text
Finding No. 2023-001 – Alternative to Abortion Program – CFDA No. 93.558; Grant No. 1701MOTA
Criteria and Condition: The Alternatives to Abortion program requires eligibility criteria including the client to be at or below 185 percent of federal poverty level based on the client or family income, must be a resident in a covered county, lack of involvement with other Alternative to Abortions providers, and the woman must be carrying an unborn child or children and chooses to carry the unborn child(ren) to term instead of having an abortion.
Context: A test of 60 files revealed inadequate documentation surrounding the retention and verification of pregnancy, residency, lack of involvement with other Alternative to Abortions providers, and income level. The clients program eligibility must be determined upon entry into the program and documentation of eligibility must be retained. 2 of the 60 case files reviewed did not have proper documentation to support eligibility upon the entry into the program or retention of documentation after eligibility was determined.
Cause: The case workers are required to verify the pregnancy, residency, lack of involvement with other Alternative to Abortions providers, and income level; however, they did not always maintain adequate documentation in the file at determination or retention after verification.
Questioned Cost: $-0-
Effect: The lack of documentation could lead to ineligible participants entering into or remaining in the program.
Recommendation: We recommend management ensures all documentation is received and retained through strict following of the tracking checklist for newly eligible participants that documents the proof of pregnancy, income, residency, and lack of involvement with other Alternative to Abortions providers.
Classification: Compliance finding and control deficiency in internal controls
View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: Management agrees with the finding and the recommended procedures have been implemented. Supervisors will ensure that all client files have proof of eligibility during quarterly file reviews.