Nebraska auditor: Providers either overbilled DHHS or had supernatural ‘ability to bilocate’

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley released a letter Wednesday calling out “flagrant abuses” in two state programs.

Foley said providers in the personal assistance services and personal care services programs have been overbilling taxpayers.

Both programs, run by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, provide help to low-income people.

In February, Foley said an audit found up to $1.5 million in fraudulent billing and other abuses in the personal assistance services program.

Now he said his team has uncovered even more overbilling.

Two providers at one Omaha agency billed DHHS for work that was supposedly done while they were in jail, according to the audit.

Foley said one caregiver “rivaled certain canonized saints in her ability to bilocate,” that is, appear in two places at once.

She billed DHHS for two straight 24-hour periods while she was working full-time at another job, according to the audit.

Overall, auditors found 55 days when she claimed to be providing services for the state while working her other job.

Another provider billed DHHS for hours when she was working as a bus driver — and when she was in court on drug charges.

Steve Corsi, CEO of DHHS, thanked Foley for his recommendations.

“As the Department continues to strengthen internal controls and stewardship of taxpayer funds, we look forward to ongoing collaboration with the State Auditor’s office,” he said.