Maine DHHS Agreed It Failed to Provide Effective Oversight of Autism Services — Then Said Its Own Rules Were Outdated
Federal auditors concluded Maine made improper and potentially improper Medicaid payments because it failed to effectively oversee RCS services. Maine DHHS agreed—and records obtained by The Maine Mirror show the state acknowledged its Section 28 rules contained “outdated, ambiguous, and inaccurate provisions” and committed to replacing them.
The Other $22.4 Million: Federal Records Flag Unreliable Session Notes in Maine Autism Services
Federal auditors estimated Maine made $22.4 million in potentially improper Medicaid payments for autism-related RCS services and flagged “cloned or otherwise unreliable session notes.” Records obtained by The Maine Mirror show Maine DHHS agreed the findings warranted review and acknowledged broader problems with oversight, provider guidance and outdated rules.
Does Maine Actually Owe the Federal Government $28.8 Million? Records Show the Answer Is Not Yet That Simple
Federal auditors recommended Maine DHHS refund $28.8 million after estimating at least $45.6 million in improper Medicaid payments involving services for children with autism. Newly obtained records show Maine only partially agreed with the finding—and reveal what the state promised to do next.