Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – State Auditor Allison Ball says the Commonwealth Office of the Ombudsman has formally requested information from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) about the recent widespread denials of Home and Community Based Waiver (HCBW) services to Kentucky children.

“My office is committed to ensuring that critical services reach the Kentuckians who need them most,” Ball said. “We are investigating how this happened and are working to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent it from occurring again.”

Recent reports indicate that a significant number of children with special needs were wrongly denied services during their annual HCBW eligibility reviews. This denial was apparently due to an error associated with a subcontractor of CHFS’s Department for Medicaid Services. In a letter sent to CHFS Secretary Eric Friedlander, Auditor Ball’s Office is seeking answers on behalf of families impacted by the improper denial of critical Medicaid waiver services for Kentuckians with disabilities.

According to the letter, sent  by Deputy Ombudsman Heather Wagers, she notes:

“As you are aware, under Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) Chapter 43, the Office of the Auditor of Public Accounts holds the responsibility not only to examine the financial integrity and operational performance of public agencies, but also to make recommendations to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of public programs and policies.

“In line with this mandate, we are seeking clarification on the following: 1. What specific factors or events precipitated the denial of HCBW services to these individuals? 2. What steps has the Cabinet taken to review and address these denials, including any reassessments, appeals, or corrective actions? 3. What preventative measures are being implemented to ensure that such widespread denials do not occur in the future, including improvements in policy, communication, or administrative oversight?”

The HCBW program helps Kentuckians with disabilities receive necessary services in their homes and communities to promote independence.

The complete letter sent to CHFS can be viewed here.