Finding 36025 (2022-003)

US Department of Health and Human Services Passed through the NC Department of Health and Human Services Program Name: Medicaid Assistance Program (Medicaid; Title XIX) CFDA# 93.778 Finding: 2022-003 Untimely Review of SSI Termination SIGNIFICANT DEFICENCY Eligibility Criteria: In accordance with the Medicaid Manual MA-3120, the State sends notification to the County when a participant is no longer eligible under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) determination, the County is required to initiate the ex parte review within 5 workdays of the date the termination appears on the SSI Termination Report, and complete the redetermination within 4 months of the month the case appears on the SSI Termination Report and notify the recipient about applicant's ongoing eligibility for Medicaid. Condition: There was 1 applicant/beneficiary not reviewed timely and determined to be eligible for Medicaid when their SSI benefits were terminated. Questioned Cost: There were no known affects to eligibility and there were no known questioned costs. Context: We examined 60 cases from of a total of 968,188 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. Effect: 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. Cause: Error in reading the ACTS report and/or ineffective case review process. Recommendation: Files should be reviewed internally to ensure proper information is in place and necessary procedures are taken when determine eligibility. The results found or documentation made in case notes should clearly indicate what actions were performed and the results of those actions. Views of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: The County agrees with the finding.