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McCrory: Administration making progress on DHHS problems

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Problems with delays in food stamps and Medicaid reimbursements continue to plague North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services. Gov. Pat McCrory said Monday his administration is making progress.

"We'll be making some more announcements in the near future regarding actions we are taking," McCrory said.

DHHS said last week it could be March before it catches up on a backlog in food stamp delivery. Critics said Monday that's unacceptable.

"It's something that can't be put off and corrected three months later," said Sen. Kay Hagan, D-NC. "Time and attention needs to address that situation immediately."

Democrats in the state legislature continue to criticize the McCrory administration's actions too.

"I'm not very confident at all," said Rep. Beverly Earle, D-Mecklenburg. "I think the public is going to have to get outraged about what's going on," she said.

Thousands of NC families have had month-long delays in delivery of their food stamp benefits.

In addition, Medicaid providers across the state say they continue to have problems collecting payments for their services from NC Tracks, the state's new computer system.

McCrory said he realizes problems exist and that the state needs to do better to meet customer service goals. He says he's taking a more personal role in making sure improvements are put in place to eliminate the problem.

"I own it, and we're going to fix it. We will fix it," McCrory said.