AUGUSTA (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage’s administration says it will “aggressively” appeal a decision by federal officials barring the state from recouping food-supplement benefits from people who weren’t eligible.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew says the decision by the Food and Nutrition Service shifts financial responsibility for $4.8 million in overpayments from food supplement recipients to Maine taxpayers.
In March, Maine was directed by the government to recover funds from those who received benefits to which they were not entitled. But now, Mayhew says the federal agency seems to have disregarded its previous directive.
Maine legislative Democratic leaders blame the state for the error. House Democratic Leader Emily Cain of Orono says the administration must take responsibility for the $4.8 million debt.
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