This may divert policymakers from determining true accountability for error rates and designing appropriate corrective actions. DHS' operation of these programs should be to the highest standard so that Texas taxpayers have confidence that accurate benefits are paid to those eligible for services. D. DHS should establish a concentrated and effective error- reduction action plan for the Houston region. Without immediate and effective actions, the Houston region will continue to push statewide error rates above the acceptable federal level. These recommendations would strengthen DHS's error reduction efforts, remove the threat of fiscal sanctions and reduce erroneous benefit payments.
Sanctions imposed by the federal government are another significant factor.
Negotiations with the federal government usually result in lower sanction amounts, but any money the state pays the federal government due to error is unnecessary. The fiscal impact of continuing high error rates underscores the urgency to reduce payment error and keep error rates down. The state has incurred financial losses as a result of high error rates and continues to be at risk for future losses.