July 15, 2010

Performance Audit: North Carolina Department of Correction Inmate Medicaid Eligibility

An audit by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor estimated that the state could cut its inmate health costs by up to $11.5 million annually by determining inmate’s Medicaid eligibility and routinely billing Medicaid for medical or psychiatric care provided to eligible inmates by community or private hospitals. The auditor reviewed DOC inmate health costs for 2008 and 2009. The auditor also sought clarification on Medicaid eligibility rules from the regional Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The audit was initiated to identify opportunities for cost savings.