HONOLULU (AP) — The state auditor has blamed a “lack of effective leadership” within the Hawaii Department of Human Services for preventing the department’s computer system from meeting the goals of the federal Affordable Care Act. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) —
HONOLULU (AP) — The state auditor has blamed a “lack of effective leadership” within the Hawaii Department of Human Services for preventing the department’s computer system from meeting the goals of the federal Affordable Care Act.
The auditor’s report released Wednesday says the $155 million Kauhale On-Line Eligibility Application system, or KOLEA, did launch in time to meet a federal deadline on Oct. 1, 2013. However, KOLEA has failed to establish an easy process for enrolling people into health plans and determining eligibility for coverage, according to the auditor.
Human Services Director Rachel Wong has disputed the report’s findings, arguing that the report is “wholly incorrect.” She maintains that the system meets the requirements for a Medicaid eligibility determination system, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
Wong said the system accepts online applications and is connected to a federal network that conducts online verification of the data.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has also told the state that the system is running accurately and in a timely manner, according to Wong.
