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DSS reports favorable audits, April collections and warns of Medicaid eligibility changes
Summary
DSS Director Dwella Hall reported favorable audits and April child‑support collections of $481,540; Economic Services staff warned that upcoming HR1 eligibility changes could require thousands of manual case reviews and may reduce county revenues.
Dwella M. Hall, director of Columbus County Department of Social Services, presented the agency’s April 2026 administrative report and highlighted staff training, a Child Abuse Prevention ceremony and favorable audit outcomes for Food & Nutrition, Medicaid and Transportation Services.
"For April child support collections, we collected $481,540, and through our Program Integrity efforts, we collected $47,628," Hall said as part of the report. She also noted workforce and program updates across CPS, foster care, adult services and Medicaid units and outlined staffing levels and vacancies in multiple units.
Economic Services staff also briefed the Board on pending federal and state policy changes (referenced as HR1 updates) that could affect Medicaid eligibility and redeterminations. Staff advised that the county will receive lists from the state requiring manual caseworker review and estimated that "approximately 28,810 current beneficiaries will potentially lose Medicaid coverage" under proposed qualified‑alien eligibility changes; county staff urged prioritization of casework and outreach to affected individuals.
The Board approved the DSS monthly report unanimously and asked staff to continue preparing for policy changes that will increase workload and potential county costs.
