Puerto Rico trip, golf outing spending found in audit of Worcester co. and MassHealth
A state audit has revealed more than $300,000 in inappropriate payments to Worcester adult foster care provider Centro Las Americas Inc., including money used for golf outings, gifts and a trip to Puerto Rico.
The financial investigation of Centro’s activities from 2013 through 2015 by State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump found payments for duplicative services that clients received through the Home Health Program from other providers, according to a release from the auditor’s office. The duplicate payments are part of a larger, systemic issue within MassHealth, according to Bump, with the audit finding email instructions to the provider that differed from state law.
“This audit shows that once again, MassHealth is not only ignoring their own regulations, but also directing providers to disregard them as well. These regulations ensure transparency and accountability on how public dollars are spent, and cannot be ignored in favor of rule-making by email outside of the public view,” she said in a statement.
Beyond these duplicate payments, the audit also found that Centro used $57,341 in state funds for unallowable expenses including trips to Puerto Rico for investigating an opportunity to develop a new revenue stream, golf outings, meals without proper documentation, and gifts. Bump is calling for a reimbursement for these funds and the creation of policies to ensure proper spending in the future.
According to the State House News Service, in its response to the audit findings, Centro said it has adequate policies in place.
Centro Las Americas Inc. was founded in 1977 as a not-for-profit human-services agency. Beyond AFC services, they also offer family support, elder care, behavioral-health care, and child and family services. Approximately half of its funding comes from contracts with state agencies, according to the auditor.
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