US
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Published August 1, 2023

Kansas Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility Determinations Audit

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Overall Conclusion

The audit found that Kansas generally complies with eligibility determination requirements but identified significant areas for improvement, especially in documentation, timely case closure, and resource verification. The improper payments highlight the need for enhanced oversight and process improvements to ensure compliance and reduce improper expenditures.

Source Document

Audit Scope

The audit covered Kansas Medicaid and CHIP eligibility determinations from September 2019 through February 2020, including case reviews, verification processes, and compliance with federal and state regulations.

Key Findings Summary

1

Kansas correctly determined Medicaid eligibility for 88% of sampled beneficiaries and CHIP eligibility for 84.16%.

2

Identified errors included delayed case closures, resource miscalculations, and eligibility misclassifications.

3

Kansas did not always verify resources or income correctly, and sometimes failed to request necessary documentation.

View the Findings tab to see all 5 findings

AI-Assisted

Generated by gpt-4.1-nano

AI Scope Summary

The audit aimed to assess Kansas's accuracy and compliance in determining Medicaid and CHIP eligibility, verify proper documentation and timely case management, and evaluate the extent of improper payments during the specified period.

AI-Generated Insight

This audit underscores the importance of rigorous eligibility verification and timely case management in Medicaid and CHIP programs. While Kansas demonstrates a baseline compliance, the identified errors and improper payments suggest that strengthening verification processes, documentation standards, and case oversight are critical for safeguarding federal funds and ensuring beneficiaries receive appropriate coverage. Implementing the recommended improvements can enhance program integrity and reduce financial losses.

Audit Objectives

1

To review individual eligibility determinations for compliance with federal and state rules during the audit period.

2

To identify whether Kansas determined Medicaid and CHIP eligibility in accordance with federal and state requirements and claimed the appropriate Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP).

Audit Findings (5)

1

Kansas correctly determined Medicaid eligibility for 88% of sampled beneficiaries and CHIP eligibility for 84.16%.

2

Identified errors included delayed case closures, resource miscalculations, and eligibility misclassifications.

3

Kansas did not always verify resources or income correctly, and sometimes failed to request necessary documentation.

4

There were instances of late case closures and incorrect eligibility category placements.

5

Improper payments for Medicaid totaled $156,916, and for CHIP totaled $23,950, with an estimated total of $9,672,119 in improper payments for CHIP during the audit period.

Recommendations (8)

1

Train case workers on income calculation and eligibility determination.

2

Perform annual renewals for Medicaid and CHIP eligibility.

3

Identify and document private, third-party health coverage.

4

Ensure correct eligibility category placement.

5

Verify all elements of eligibility before making determinations.

6

Ensure timely processing of changes in circumstance.

7

Verify and accurately calculate income and resources.

8

Take timely actions to close cases no longer requiring services.