# Ohio Auditor Flags Medicaid Contract Weaknesses

An Ohio Auditor of State performance audit found planning, program evaluation, data-use, and contract-management weaknesses in the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s multi-year Next Generation systems modernization effort. A sample of reviewed contracts contained more than $145 million in unplanned expenses; that amount is not the initiative’s total contract value. The audit recommends stronger planning, oversight, and quality controls, and the release announces no new solicitation or award.

- **Why this matters:** Contractors supporting Ohio Medicaid modernization may face closer scrutiny of cost planning, performance evaluation, data use, and contract oversight.
- Procurement teams can use the audit findings to assess whether project plans, cost controls, documentation, and quality assurance practices are clear and supportable.
- The findings signal oversight risks for firms working on the initiative, but do not establish new mandatory requirements or a specific procurement opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Healthcare, Information Technology
**Published:** October 16, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)
- Ohio Auditor of State (AOS)
- County Job and Family Services agencies

### Key Quotes
> There’s too much at stake for the Ohioans who rely on these services for ODM to continue business as usual.
> — Keith Faber, Auditor of State

### Sources
- [Press Releases](https://ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/7961) - OHIO