Thousands of out-of-state residents could be wrongfully receiving state health care benefits because MassHealth fails to verify their residency, while others may be receiving benefits without meeting ­income qualifications, according to a state audit released Wednesday.

The lack of verification could be costing Massachusetts millions of dollars each year, accord­ing to the report from the state’s auditor, Suzanne Bump. Based on the magnitude of the program, which has 1.3 million enrollees, “the financial ramifications of MassHealth not performing effective income eligibility verifications for applicants could have an adverse effect on the Common­wealth’s finances,” the report stated.