State auditors found Kansas spent more than $2 million attempting to clear a backlog of unprocessed first-time applications for Medicaid, Lawrence Journal-World reports.
Auditors also reported the state temporarily stopped processing Medicaid renewal applications, although it will continue to provide services to those awaiting approval. As of mid-August, nearly 35,000 renewal applications were awaiting processing, according to the article.
In the report released Sept. 22, auditors found the state violated federal law requiring Medicaid officials determine Medicaid eligibility within 45 days, or 90 days for individuals applying based on disability.
Kansas Medicaid Deputy Secretary Aaron Dunkel said the agency has made progress clearing unprocessed applications and deserved credit for their hard work, according to the article.
As of August, Kansas Medicaid spent $2.3 million in efforts to work through the application backlog.