CMS says it will increase oversight on states misusing Medicaid funds to care for undocumented immigrants

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services May 27 announced it will increase oversight of states to prevent the misuse of federal Medicaid funding to cover health care for individuals with unsatisfactory immigration status. CMS said the effort would involve focused evaluations of select state Medicaid spending reports (CMS-64 form submissions); in-depth reviews of select states’ financial management systems; and assessing existing eligibility rules and policies to close loopholes and strengthen enforcement. CMS also urged all states to immediately examine and update internal controls, eligibility systems and cost allocation policies to ensure full compliance with federal law. The agency said any improper spending on noncitizens will be subject to recoupment of federal funding.