Streamline Eligibility Determination and Access to Assistance
States can maximize participation in federal benefit programs by adopting automated, user friendly systems that make it easier for residents to determine if they are eligible and to enroll.
What Can Policymakers Do?
·
Streamline access to services.
Florida residents eligible for Medicaid, Food Stamps, TANF, Refugee Assistance and other programs use
ACCESS Florida
to apply for and receive benefits. A centralized electronic application with community-based outreach and call center back-up, ACCESS has saved the state more than $83 million a year in administrative costs.
·
Consolidate applications for benefits.
The Benefits Bank
is a free web-based system that states can use to simplify and centralize the process of applying for state and federal benefits. The innovative strategy helps residents get services they need and apply for state and federal Earned Income Tax Credits.
·
Conduct eligibility reviews.
In addition to boosting enrollment, determining eligibility for some federal programs and conducting utilization reviews are reimbursable administrative expenses. Medicaid reimburses the costs at a rate of 50 to 90 percent.
[i]
Louisiana saved substantial administrative costs and maintained SCHIP coverage for children by conducting internal re-enrollment eligibility reviews.
[ii]
[i]
Aging and Disability Resource Center.
May 30, 2007.
How to Secure Medicaid Federal Financial Participation (FFP) for ADRC Functions: The Basics.
Retrieved January 27, 2009.
www.adrc-tae.org/tiki-download_file.php?fileId=26606
[ii]
Summer, L. and Mann, C. (2006, June).
Instability of Public Health Insurance Coverage for Children and Their Families: Causes, Consequences, and Remedies.
The Commonwealth Fund.