State Survey Analysis Report
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II. BACKGROUND
In 2004, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report describing the strategies implemented by 16 States to address improper payments in the CCDF and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) block grant programs. The GAO studied what States were doing to manage improper payments and how the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the TANF and CCDF programs, helps States identify and address improper payments in these programs. The GAO concluded that “HHS lacks adequate information to assess risk and assist States in managing improper payments.”[5]
Improper payments in the CCDF and TANF programs are often related to the eligibility of clients or providers, as well as clerical errors and fraud. The GAO found that each of the 16 study States had made some effort to assess these improper payments, including case reviews and fraud investigations. However, the GAO also found that these results were not comprehensive. The GAO recommended that HHS take two steps to address improper payments in these programs—first, gather more information on the State systems and secondly, work with States to identify and rectify improper payments.
[5] Government Accountability Office. (June 2004.) TANF and child care programs: HHS lacks adequate information to assess risk and assist States in managing improper payments. (GAO Publication No. GAO–04–723). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
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