Human Services
REPORT: Text campaigns can help states increase public benefit participation
The results of a Maryland pilot program suggest that state agencies can increase benefit program participation through cross-enrollment by sending text alerts to residents.
Michigan’s use of AI to process SNAP applications draws concerns about past automation failures
Given the state’s track record in using an algorithmic fraud detection system, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ use of AI in SNAP determinations holds a lot of reason for caution and concern, an expert says.
Report: Steps states can take to navigate HR 1 benefit rules
States are racing against the clock to implement changes to their benefit systems under HR 1. New research from the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation suggests cross-agency and resident collaboration can help support their efforts.
AI improvements to Medicaid must account for needs of eligibility workers, experts say
Improving the efficiency and accuracy of Medicaid programs is a big challenge for states. A good place to start is by designing solutions with eligibility workers front and center, experts say.
New Jersey’s New Year’s resolution to tap AI for better service delivery
At a time when states are pressed to innovate their public benefit systems, the Garden State is prioritizing expanding its AI tools under a new grant program.
Government leaders embrace ‘any door’ service approach
Speakers at Route Fifty’s recent Innovation Spotlight said the public sector should learn to be more human focused in how it delivers services, an effort that shows long-term value for money.
How to seamlessly integrate AI into state HHS systems
COMMENTARY | The technology offers great rewards in this area of state government, but also presents great risks. Agencies must adopt it thoughtfully to avoid those pitfalls.
California rolls out AI-powered ID verification for benefits
The state’s Employment Development Department now evaluates an applicant’s device and whether their IP address is domestic or foreign, all part of analyzing different signs of risk.
Inside the Secret Service hunt for skimmers as outdated SNAP cards let thieves steal millions
The government still uses 1970s-era technology to deliver SNAP, leaving beneficiaries vulnerable to transnational crime rings that have taken hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits in recent years.
Maryland officials approve 'tap and go' EBT cards for public benefits
The electronic benefit transfer cards aim to reduce theft from programs that serve almost 1 million in the state.
Featured eBooks
The key to improving SNAP delivery is data
COMMENTARY | Data sharing can help identify potentially eligible individuals, ease the income verification process and even reduce fraud.
Congress averts a shutdown, setting up a lame duck fight in December
A stopgap funding bill is heading to Biden's desk as Congress staves off a pre-election shutdown.
Bipartisan deal looks to punt shutdown threat into December
States and cities don't need to fear federal worker furloughs in the near future.
Impasse on SNAP benefits holds up farm bill
The current law expires at the end of September. Congress appears likely to extend the 2018 farm bill again.
Don’t pull the plug on internet access for 23M families
COMMENTARY | No family should be forced to choose between one essential and another. And they don’t have to, as long as Congress acts to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program.
WIC program on pace to fall $1B short, says agriculture secretary
Unless Congress budgets more, the program will run out of money in mid-August, forcing states to waitlist those seeking help.
No wrong doors: Making benefits easier to access
When applying for benefits is too hard, families don’t get the support they need. Learning how users actually work through submitting an online application underscores how important user-centered design is to a program’s success.
Senate passes stopgap measure to avert government shutdown
The chamber approved the same “laddered” spending bill as the House in a 87-11 bipartisan vote.
Shutdown appears averted as House passes ‘laddered’ proposal
The continuing resolution extends SNAP through September, ensures other benefit programs are funded into early 2024 and avoids millions of workers being furloughed.
Not all states will go off the child care cliff
The end of federal child care subsidies will impact states differently depending on how they used the money and if they plan to spend their own.
