California wrongly claimed millions in Medicaid services for illegal migrants: HHS watchdog reports

The state of California incorrectly claimed millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding for health services that were provided to illegal immigrants, according to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General . 

The OIG released an audit last month that alleged the California Medicaid program didn't use proper methodology to evaluate reimbursements for resources given to noncitizens who aren't eligible to be fully covered by Medicaid.

"States are generally prohibited from claiming Federal reimbursement for Medicaid services, other than treatment of an emergency medical condition, provided to certain noncitizens with unsatisfactory immigration status (UIS)," the office said in a statement. 

The office explained that California’s Medicaid program gives coverage that goes above Medicaid benefits to illegal aliens.