State Audit Flags $2.3M In Medicaid Payments

LANSING (AP) - An audit has found that a Michigan agency made more than $2.3 million in improper payments for wheelchairs, ventilators and other medical equipment as part of the Medicaid program.

The report released Thursday flagged the Department of Community Health for paying claims without prior authorization, making duplicate payments and buying incontinence supplies from the wrong contractors.

State officials say they agree with the state auditor's recommendations for improvement, including setting lower rates to buy used equipment.

Auditors looked at $181 million of Medicaid claims paid over a nearly three-year period starting in 2009. They focused on equipment in patients' homes such as hospital beds and wheelchairs. Claims for prosthetics, orthotics, syringes, needles and dressings also were examined.

Medicaid helps low-income people with their medical bills.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)