The Nevada Senate Committee on Human Resources and Education heard testimony Monday in Carson City that the Clark County School District has left the state holding the bag for “at least” $5.7 million for incorrectly billed Medicaid charges in 2003-2004. There may be more in question for the period following. Charles Duarte, Administrator for the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy, testified CCSD did not follow the plan by making inappropriate charges, which included debt service on capital projects when asked by Sen. Cegavske if the charges were fraudulent.

While Duarte did not say it was fraudulence, he did leave the impression of gross incompetence among the CCSD staff responsible. The CCSD spokesperson explained it happened before his time and they followed the Medicaid billing procedures as they understood them. The spokesperson said the responsible staff members were removed from their positions, but admitted to Sen. Cegavske in her follow up question they still work for the district.

The state of Nevada will have to make up the shortfall with the federal government until the CCSD figures out how to pay back the money. The school district claims it now “has a handle” on what Medicaid charges are and are not allowable.

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