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March 12, 2009 07:17 AM UTC

Jefferson County Human Service BLAMES economy for "problem" child

  • 1 Comments
  • by: JeffcosSuperman

( – promoted by Jeffco Pols)

The problem child’s treatment plan:

Jefferson County Human Services has had problems with their Medicaid and food stamps office for at least 5 years. This office had files lost, “misplaced” and caseworkers not follow up. Technicians were basically doing their own thing. Programs and procedures were not being followed. Jefferson County Human Services has untrained people not utilizing programming that would catch any kind of error regarding eligibility,determination and case worker error. Even County Management AGREED with many of the findings in this audit.

From the December 31 2004 Audit:

The link to the audit report is now fixed

“We further recommend that the County evaluate the knowledge base and credentials of individuals in key financial reporting roles and evaluate whether the responsibilities assigned are properly matched with the individuals’ capabilities and skill levels.

There is no second review of client applications prior to approval or denial of assistance. Caseworkers do not consistently acquire and maintain necessary documentation from each applicant to appropriately determine eligibility did not base on the applicant’s representations, nor do they consistently document in the file which information they deemed questionable. The County relies heavily on the participants to notify the County if payments appear incorrect. However, this would primarily serve to identify underpayments rather than overpayments due to ineligibility”.

Food Stamps- Monthly reports not done that would catch any error either on client or county’s side. (p 29 of 80)

“Recommendation” “The department should establish control procedures that monitor the quality and consistency of client files and documentation obtained. Supervisors should review a representative sample of cases for all caseworkers each month, and ensure that all corrections are properly addressed.” Managements Response: Agree

Medicaid- p.74 of 80

“Condition” Social Services does not have procedures adequately enforced to ensure proper determinations of Medicaid eligibility are made. They tested 75 files for eligibility and noted the following….

*Three instances in which an undocumented pregnant mother receiving Medicaid under Volume 8.101.53 was not timely discontinued

*One instance in which the client was given the Medicaid benefits after the allowed 60 day grace period for pregnant mothers as required per Volume 8.101.11(J) c.

*Eighteen instances in which redeterminations were either completed late, or not at all. Volume 8.100.71 requires a redetermination be performed every 12 months with verification of information that has changed.

*Two instances in which the client received Medicaid benefits but was not categorically eligible as defined by 8.100.52 to be receiving such benefits

*Three instances where the technician did not verify the client’s resources when determining their eligibility

*Five instances where the client’s income was not verified during the redetermination process. Per volume 8.105.5A (2), a client’s income must be verified.

*One instance where a client’s presumptive eligibility was extended past the 45 days allowed per the agency letter dated August 1, 2003.

*One instance where a client who was on transitional Medicaid received benefits for 19 months past their 12 months eligibility time frame.

*Eighteen instances where the client’s application was not processed within the appropriate time frame or we were unable to determine whether application was processed within appropriate time frame. Per Volume 8.100.27 a client’s application must be processed within 45 days of receipt.

*Four instances where a client’s case was closed before a redetermination was performed. The closures were related to the CBMS system conversion.

*One instance where a client receiving Transitional Medicaid benefits did not provide verification of quarterly income as required per Volume 8.106.74, but benefits were continued.

*One case where a client’s case was closed prior to a redetermination being performed. Per agency letter dated August 1, 2003 under no circumstances is a Medicaid case closed without completion of a redetermination for all possible categories of eligibility.

*One instance where eligibility compliance requirements could not be tested because the County was unable to locate the file.

ALL OF THIS IN JUST a MINUTE 75 CASE FILE SAMPLES!!!!!!!

“Effect”: By not implementing adequate controls over eligibility, Social Services could have incorrectly approved ineligible applicants or denied eligible applicants.

“Cause”: Social Services did not enforce adequate internal control to ensure proper eligibility determinations were made.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSE: AGREE!!!!!!!!!

Have you ever wondered why the prior director Sherry Almond never received a fond farewell, yet the county announces when Lynn Johnson comes on board.

From the Columbine Courier(AJ Vicens) Great article.

“Johnson told the commissioners that the division has had three acting directors in the last year for “various reasons,” and that has contributed to its poor performance. But, she said, “This is not a one-year issue. This has been a problem-child area of this department.”

This article was accurate.

After KMPG had done this factual and irrefutable audit, noting the MANY adverse areas.  

Jefferson County announced they have a NEW auditor. Was it because they were told opposite of what they paid for?

The audit report details these problems:

http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/…

I had said for years that I had reported income, the county contended  that I did not. I had found out that the INVESTIGATOR had fabricated my reporting to cover up this internal problem. I’ve known for a long TIME!! Now they have supported it.

The county has not referred this investigator in 2007 to the DISTRICT attorney’s office though she committed fraud. Now that the District Attorney has been made aware, will they file charges? None have been as of yet. But everyone is about the people?! Justice and the rights of the defendants!

The letter received states

“Dear Mr. Clifford:

Michelle Jaramillo was employed with Jefferson County Human Service from July1 6,2002 until

she resigned on May 8,2007.

During the last several months of her employment with us,the department began to have

concerns about her performance as it related to truthfulness however those concerns were not related to her performance regarding the actions she took handling this case”

Janet Sullivan

Investigation/Quality Assurance Supervisor

Jefferson County Department of Human Services

It is clear that Jefferson County Department of Human Services has no respect for fiscal responsibility.

In reviewing the 80 pages, it is clear that they are even willing to disagree with the accounting firm (KPMG) when it is clearly evident that they didn’t have qualified people in place to make sure that their accounting was even close to being accurate.

The mistakes that were reported by KPMG are so elementary. It’s like getting in a car and not knowing you need to use a key to start it. Their core accounting system has been undermined.

Ms. Howard, CPA

Don’t be fooled by the smoke and mirrors. They have known about this and now it’s coming to light. As will many other things.

Sharles Johnson

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One thought on “Jefferson County Human Service BLAMES economy for “problem” child”

  1. Until I read the KPMG audit I did not realize how financially out of control Jeffco Human Services department is when it comes to Food Stamps and Medicaid.  KPMG found they don’t know where the money is or where it has gone and why.  Reading Westword’s feature about Mr. Johnson’s terrible issues with HS reinforces that feeling.

    Then I’ve read of the scandal about the very quiet recent firing of the internal auditor, amazed that commissioners cannot even coherently justify the firing!  What’s with Jeffco and auditors?  Let in an auditor and misdeeds start showing up.  The Post in a recent editorial said the fired auditor was responsible for us learning the commissioners had $1,000,000 worth of computer components unaccounted for.  What kind of management is that?  

    I’m not so sure Jeffco government isn’t a runaway train.  Maybe we voters have let the reins of our county government fall into irresponsible hands and need to take them back.  Maybe it’s time to start attending commission meetings.  We may need reform candidates to run for every office.

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