Lawmakers review issues with Missouri Department of Social Services

Budget leaders in Jefferson City met Tuesday afternoon in order to discuss issues within the state’s Medicaid system.

Lawmakers on the House budget select committee talked about the Missouri Department of Social Services and how officials decide if someone qualifies, along with the system’s enrollment and Medicaid caseload.

ABC 17 News has followed the subject since last fall, when the agency ran into computer problems while switching from paper records to digital copies.

Many families did not get their payments on time, which had impacts on their healthcare.

Those who testified Tuesday said the DSS was “shooting in the dark with software.”

They said, “We relied too much on our vendor for the software, trusted too much.”

One lawmaker said, “It’s not the staff that needs help, its the system. This department is failing with a rating of F-.”

Lawmakers said there are not enough staff members to address the needs of the customers.