Commitments and contingencies |
12 Months Ended |
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Sep. 30, 2022 | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments And Contingencies | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Performance Bonds
Certain contracts require us to provide a surety bond as a guarantee of performance. As of September 30, 2022, we had performance bond commitments totaling $19.0 million. These bonds are typically renewed annually and remain in place until the contractual obligations are satisfied. Although the triggering events vary from contract to contract, in general, we would only be liable for the amount of these guarantees in the event of default in our performance of our obligations under each contract, the probability of which we believe is remote.
Litigation
We are subject to audits, investigations, and reviews relating to compliance with the laws and regulations that govern our role as a contractor to agencies and departments of federal, state, local, and foreign governments, and otherwise in connection with performing services in countries outside of the U.S. Adverse findings could lead to criminal, civil, or administrative proceedings, and we could be faced with penalties, fines, suspension, or debarment. Adverse findings could also have a material adverse effect on us because of our reliance on government contracts. We are subject to periodic audits by federal, state, local, and foreign governments for taxes. We are also involved in various claims, arbitrations, and lawsuits arising in the normal conduct of our business. These include but are not limited to bid protests, employment matters, contractual disputes, and charges before administrative agencies. Although we can give no assurance, based upon our evaluation and taking into account the advice of legal counsel, we do not believe that the outcome of any existing matter would likely have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
We evaluate, on a regular basis, developments in our litigation matters and establish or make adjustments to our accruals as appropriate. A liability is accrued if a loss is probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. If the risk of loss is probable, but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or the risk of loss is only reasonably possible, a liability is not accrued. Due to the inherent uncertainty in the outcome of litigation, our estimates and assessments may prove to be incomplete or inaccurate and could be impacted by unanticipated events and circumstances, adverse outcomes or other future determinations.
Arizona Medicaid claims
From 2004 through 2009, we had a contract with the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) in support of the state’s school-based Medicaid claims. We entered into separate agreements with the local school districts under which we assisted the districts with preparing and submitting claims to AHCCCS which, in turn, submitted claims for reimbursement to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
CMS subsequently asserted two disallowances against AHCCCS. AHCCCS contested the first disallowance and ultimately settled that claim with CMS. The second disallowance of approximately $19.9 million is still being contested by AHCCCS in court. AHCCCS previously had asserted that its agreement with us requires us to reimburse AHCCCS for the amounts owed to CMS and, on October 18, 2022, AHCCCS sued Maximus pertaining to the first disallowance - Snyder v. Maximus, Case No. CV2022-053302, Superior Court for the County of Maricopa. AHCCCS is seeking damages from us of $5.4 million. Also, AHCCCS previously indicated its intention to seek reimbursement from us for the second disallowance if its court challenge is unsuccessful.
Our agreements with the school districts require them to reimburse us for such amounts, and therefore we believe the school districts are responsible for any amounts that ultimately must be refunded to CMS beyond the fees we were paid. Although we believe we have valid defenses to the claims asserted, we have accrued a contingent liability based upon our best estimate of the potential outcome. We exited the federal healthcare-claiming business in 2009 and no longer provide the services at issue in this matter.
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