More than half of Ohio Department of Medicaid-reimbursed home health services in 2022 were processed without new electronic verifications mandated by the federal government, according to a recent review by the Auditor of State’s Office. Though the state has spent about $146 million since 2016 to implement the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) system as part of efforts to address Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse, compliance remained low because Ohio had not yet required EVV as a condition for payment for personal care and home healthcare services. In its response to the Auditor of State, the Ohio Department of Medicaid confirmed it is phasing in EVV requirements next year and that auditors’ recommendations align with its implementation efforts and plans. The findings are included in an Audit in the Public Interest of EVV released Tuesday by Auditor of State Keith Faber, available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.
