Finding 1155776 (2024-001)

Material Weakness Repeat Finding
Requirement
E
Questioned Costs
-
Year
2024
Accepted
2025-09-29

AI Summary

  • Core Issue: MCBSS failed to process a client application and complete eligibility determination within required timeframes.
  • Impacted Requirements: Applications must be entered within 3 business days and eligibility determined within 45 to 90 days, depending on the case.
  • Recommended Follow-Up: MCBSS should increase staffing in the Medicaid Department and monitor case processing to meet deadlines.

Finding Text

Criteria: The requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding between State of New Jersey Department of Human Services and MCBSS state that client applications are to be entered into the Worker Portal within three (3) business days and for application status’s to be timely updated. Eligibility determinations are to be performed within applicable time requirements (except in unusual circumstances, eligibility must be determined within 45 days unless the person applies for Medicaid on the basis of disability in which case the time frame is 90 days maximum). Condition and Context: For one of sixty cases tested, MCBSS did not process both the application or complete the eligibility determination in accordance with the applicable time requirements. Cause: Understaffing in MCBSS’ Medicaid Department resulted in a delay of processing theapplication and completing the eligibility determination. Effect and Potential Impact: Failure to timely process redeterminations could result in ineligible individuals receiving benefits. Questioned Costs: None Recommendation: We recommend that MCBSS management ensure that the Medicaid department is sufficiently staffed to meet demand of incoming cases and to monitor incoming cases to ensure they are processed within the required timeframe.

Corrective Action Plan

Management’s Response: There is no disagreement with the finding and recommendation noted above. MCBSS experienced short staffing of its Medicaid Department that resulted in a backlog of applications and eligibility determinations. MCBSS continues to monitor the staffing of the Medicaid Department and work towards filling vacant positions. Planned Implementation Date of Corrective Action: December 2025 Person Responsible for Corrective Action: Administrative Supervisor of Medicaid Department

Categories

Eligibility

Other Findings in this Audit

  • 1155774 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat
  • 1155775 2024-001
    Material Weakness Repeat

Programs in Audit

ALN Program Name Expenditures
93.558 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families $10.91M
10.551 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program $10.82M
93.563 Child Support Services $1.89M
93.667 Social Services Block Grant $1.72M
96.006 Supplemental Security Income $583,809
93.767 Children's Health Insurance Program $363,021
93.778 Medical Assistance Program $328,862
93.568 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance $34,750