Glitch Gives MaineCare to Ineligible Recipients

State officials say they’re trying to determine the overall cost of a computer malfunction that resulted in 19,000 people receiving checks for MaineCare even though they were ineligible.

State Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew revealed the problem Tuesday to legislative leaders and members of the Appropriations Committee. The problem comes as Gov. Paul LePage is trying to cut what the administration says are runaway costs of MaineCare, the state’s Medicaid program.

Health and Human Services Department officials said Wednesday they’re trying to determine the actual cost of the error, which was caused by one computer that pays bills not communicating with one that deals with eligibility.

Department spokesman John Martins said the 19,000 people who received benefits in error had received letters saying they were no longer eligible.