An audit by the Guam Office of Public Accountability found no questioned costs or inappropriate payments in the administration of client-reported Medicaid benefits by the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services, according to a department announcement Thursday.
The OPA report stated that while deficiencies were identified, auditors did not find questioned costs related to Medicaid benefits reported by clients. The audit also confirmed that the department did not issue improper payments or pay for services after individuals became ineligible for coverage.
DPHSS agreed with two of the six audit findings and has already implemented corrective action plans, the department said. Claims cited in the audit were determined to be valid services provided while clients had active Medicaid coverage and were processed within federally permitted time frames for provider claim submissions.
The department said it continues to strengthen internal processes, expand staff training and advance technology upgrades as part of broader government modernization efforts. Initiatives include updated eligibility workflows, enhanced communication protocols, improved documentation practices and greater regulatory alignment. Several of the efforts were already underway before the audit was conducted.
DPHSS Director Theresa Arriola said the audit supports the department’s position that public funds were properly managed under the Medicaid program and that no inappropriate payments were made.
The department said it will continue working with the Office of Public Accountability to improve clarity in documentation requests, regulatory interpretation and reporting standards, while maintaining transparency and accountability to the public.