As part of our annual audit plan, we performed an audit of costs billed to Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc. (BCBST) under Contract <br> No. 11022 for medical administrative services. Our objective was to determine if the costs billed to TVA under Contract No. 11022 for medical administrative services were in accordance with the contract's terms. The audit covered claim costs and associated fees totaling $262,707,081 billed to TVA during calendar years (CY) 2017 and 2018.In summary, we determined BCBST overbilled TVA an estimated $88,163, including (1) a net $36,991 related to shared savings for which BCBST has reimbursed TVA a net $18,166, (2) $21,259 for claims that exceeded chiropractic plan limits, (3) an estimated $17,503 in excess costs due to established patients being billed as new patients, and (4) $12,410 in credits not received by TVA.In addition, we found TVA paid from $369,116 to $836,232 more for administrative fees and various services, such as provider audits and other shared saving services, than it would have under TVA's prior contract with BCBST. The additional payments could have occurred because TVA was not aware of a BCBST underwriting guideline regarding the effect of shared savings on administrative fees.(Summary Only)
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
Tennessee Valley Authority OIG
Other Participating OIGs
Tennessee Valley Authority OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
Tennessee Valley Authority
Report Number
2019-15635
Report Description
Report Type
Audit
Agency Wide
Yes
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0