Letter: Inspector needed

To the editor:

I agree with your opinion (“Oversight needed,” Feb, 22) that an inspector general is needed in KDHE for reviews, audits and investigations for fraud, waste and illegal acts in the Medicaid, KanCare and CHIP programs. I became interested in this issue in 2014 when I read that a person who did not appear to have any qualifications had been put in this position at an annual salary of $77,000.   

As I had previously been an inspector for a state agency with statewide operation under a public/private arrangement, and as a CPA, certified fraud examiner with auditing experience, I was interested in the position. In July 2014, when Secretary Mosier stated they were struggling to find qualified candidates, I found that the pay for the position had been lowered to $64,938 as a Public Service Executive IV position. At this same time, the other 13 Public Service Executive IV salaries ranged from $68,182 to $86,965. I then understood why qualified candidates had not applied.

I am very concerned to read that the Senate has now voted to eliminate the position as unnecessary. It is naive to think that a computer program would alleviate the purpose of the inspector general. As Kansans are now all too aware, data can be manipulated.  There appears to be a number of “interested” parties that do not want this position filled. One has to wonder why.

Thank you for your editorial. Hopefully, the House will look carefully at this and realize the importance of the position.