SMITHFIELD – Johnston County Social Services has now passed the Medicaid Report Card for eight consecutive months. Income Maintenance Administrator, Renee Smith, reported that the department scored an incredible 99% in August, exceeding the required 90% to pass.
The Medicaid Report Card is the method the state of North Carolina uses to assess a county department’s accuracy and timeliness in processing new Medicaid applications and Medicaid recertification cases. The County must reach 90% on a consistent basis or it could face potential corrective action.
Johnston County has had this stretch of success despite the roll back of COVID-19 benefits, which has resulted in increased work for County staff. The additional workload, coupled with staffing turnover, and hiring shortages has created new challenges for the Department of Social Services, however, they have continued to rise to the challenge to exceed the high standards.
Interim Director Ben Rose stated he was most impressed with the work occurring within the Economic Services Division of Social Services. “The report card alone is difficult, but with the added stressors, it is a true statement to the quality of services being performed by our staff,” said Mr. Rose, who also acknowledged the fine work in meeting USDA timeliness in the food and Nutrition Program. “Johnston County can be proud of the work being done within these areas, and we will continue to work hard to ensure quality services as the new director comes on board.”
