Author: Jennifer Wagner
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Webinar: Unwinding – Where Do We Go From Here?
CBPP and CCF held a webinar to discuss where Medicaid stakeholders go from here. CCF highlighted where states are now, next steps for state compliance with federal requirements, best practices that should be continued beyond the unwinding, and potential new developments including the final eligibility and enrollment rule. Additionally, we discussed outreach strategies to reconnect eligible children and families who lost Medicaid back to coverage.
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Policy 
What We Measure Matters: Enhanced Performance Metrics for SNAP and Medicaid Would Promote a More Human-Centered Delivery System
This post from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities argues that the traditional measures of program performance say little about the human experience of accessing benefits, and argues for enhanced performance metrics to support more human-centered delivery.
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Building Human-Centered Benefits Renewal Processes with Client Equity in Mind
Lessons from piloting expanded ex parte renewals in Minnesota
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Data 
Streamlining Medicaid Renewals Through the Ex Parte Process
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should provide detailed guidance and oversight to help states improve automatic Medicaid renewals using available data, through the ex parte process.
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Digitizing Policy + Rules as Code 
Using Asset Verification Systems to Streamline Medicaid Determinations
This paper explores the background of the asset verification system requirement, the vendors that administer the systems; and the typical AVS process. It discusses AVSs’ current limitations and highlights best practices for advocates to promote and state agencies to implement to improve the AVS process and streamline eligibility determinations. Finally, it recommends federal action to help AVS states streamline processing.
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Policy 
Time to Get It Right: State Actions Now Can Preserve Medicaid Coverage When Public Health Emergency Ends
Millions of people could lose health coverage when the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ends, but states can make changes to avoid massive coverage losses.
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Diversity, Equity + Inclusion 
States Can Reduce Medicaid’s Administrative Burdens to Advance Health and Racial Equity
This report outlines strategies to reduce administrative burdens and expand Medicaid participation and advance racial and health equity. The report also offers historical context on Medicaid eligibility.
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Human-Centered Design 
Improving Users’ Experience With Online SNAP and Medicaid Systems
State and county agencies have made remarkable progress digitizing their forms and processes. But to take full advantage of online systems, agencies must also ensure that people can easily set up and sign into online accounts. This would not only benefit clients, but also significantly reduce the workload for caseworkers and administrators, allowing them to focus on clients that need more intensive in-person assistance.
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Human-Centered Design 
Improving Customer Service in Health and Human Services Through Technology
This paper outlines common challenges agencies face while administering benefits and gives examples of how technology can streamline the process. It also discusses the importance of user-centered design, and the necessity of utilizing technology as part of a holistic strategy to implement public benefits.
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Human-Centered Design 
States Can Make Applications More Accessible During COVID-19 Crisis
The inability to apply for Medicaid and SNAP in person during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a new way of interacting with social service agencies through online application submission. States can facilitate this by making online applications and systems more accessible and allowing for telephonic signatures on benefits applications.
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Digital Identity 
Removing Barriers to Access From Remote Identity Proofing
Some states are adding unnecessary complexity to benefits application processes by requiring Remote Identity Proofing (RIDP) before applying or truncating other business. This paper provides background on RIDP, explains when it’s required, and makes recommendations on how states can preserve the security of online interfaces without the barrier of RIDP.