LA’MESSAGE is a one-way text messaging service developed by Code for America in partnership with Louisiana to broadcast reminders and guidance to residents enrolled in and eligible for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and WIC at key points throughout the benefits enrollment and renewal process.
Eligible people struggle to maintain their case status for critical safety net services, often due to administrative hurdles and poor communication. Code for America piloted text message reminders to support Louisianans, which helped clients avoid costly churn. Text messages are an underrated, efficient solution for human service agencies to meet client expectations and improve case outcomes.
A case study documenting the creation, pilot, impact, and eventual sunset of a government text-messaging service used to improve how agencies communicate with the public.
A practical guide for government teams on how to design, test, and run effective public text message campaigns for benefits and service communications.
A high-level primer that explains what it takes to stand up and operate an open-source, one-way government notification service for sending text messages and emails.
