Health and Human Services
An Audit Report on the Medical Transportation Program at the Department of Health
April 2002
Report Number 02-037
Overall Conclusion
The Department of Health (Department) has not adequately managed its Medical Transportation Program contracts. This has resulted in clients receiving less than the contractually agreed-upon level of service.
Also, the Department has not consistently referred questionable contractor
activities to appropriate investigative and legal authorities for fraud investigation.
The only investigation of Medical Transportation Program contractors by the
Health and Human Service Commission's Office of Investigations and Enforcement
was underway during this audit. The investigation originated based on information
the Commission received from another state agency.
Also, we estimate that if the Department had been successful in negotiating
rates and/or service areas with bidders, the State could have reduced its costs
by at least $1.7 million in fiscal year 2002.
Key Facts and Findings
- Client survey results for three major contractors in two regions showed
a rate of dissatisfied clients ranging from 16 percent to 35 percent during
fiscal year 2001. In one case, the contractor provided only 64 percent of
services on the authorized date and time.
- During the first few weeks of fiscal year 2002, two contractors did not
transport some clients to their dialysis appointments.
Contact the SAO about this report.
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