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Mathematica Study Examines Streamlining of Social Service and Health Programs
Report Informs Approaches for California Programs
Media Advisory: November 4, 2010
Contact: Amy Berridge, (609) 945-3378
Issue: In recent years, several states have attempted to streamline enrollment and case management procedures for programs like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the Food Stamp Program), and welfare. Some states have saved millions of dollars in annual administrative costs by simplifying eligibility rules, developing online enrollment procedures, centralizing back-office operations, and using community organizations as application sites. At the same time, several states have struggled with the introduction of new technology and the reorganization of staff roles. Lessons learned in these states can benefit others launching similar efforts.
Study: Mathematica Policy Research interviewed officials and client advocates in four states—Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington—compiling key lessons learned to help simplify the enrollment process for social service and health programs. The study was funded by the Tides Center/Safety Net Partnership, which included funding from Blue Shield of California Foundation, The California Endowment, the California HealthCare Foundation, and the Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit program. As California plans major changes in its enrollment process for public health and social service programs, the study was conducted to inform the California Health and Human Services Agency’s efforts.
Key findings include:
- Simplifying eligibility rules can be an effective streamlining tool;
- Community partners are an asset in conducting outreach;
- Major changes to streamline eligibility and enrollment should be phased in;
- State agencies must work to ensure buy-in of changes by front-line eligibility workers for streamlining to succeed.
Quote: “State agencies are changing the way clients apply for public assistance,” said Scott Cody, associate director of research at Mathematica and the study’s director. “Examining what other states have already done may provide important lessons in developing future approaches.”
Report: “Simplification of Health and Social Services Enrollment and Eligibility: Lessons for California from Interviews in Four States.” Scott Cody, Debbie Reed, Danna Basson, Jordan Pedraza, Emily Sama Martin, Betsy Santos, Elisha Smith, September 2010.
About Mathematica: Mathematica Policy Research, a nonpartisan research firm, provides a full range of research and data collection services, including program evaluation and policy research, survey design and data collection, research assessment and interpretation, and program performance/data management, to improve public well-being. Its clients include federal and state governments, foundations, and private-sector and international organizations. The employee-owned company, with offices in Princeton, N.J., Ann Arbor, Mich., Cambridge, Mass., Chicago, Ill., Oakland, Calif., and Washington, D.C., has conducted some of the most important studies of health care, education, international, disability, family support, employment, nutrition, and early childhood policies and programs.