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New guidance released by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services has many states working to rebuild their Medicaid systems to meet new federal work requirements. With the January 1 deadline, here's how states can take action now to mitigate as much harm as possible: https://bit.ly/4pPNbsA

 Utilize Data Integration 
Minimize the information you request from clients when you already have access to that data. Data sharing agreements with other state programs can empower exchanges of this information. By reducing redundant requests, states save caseworker time and reduce the risk of error. 
 Sequence Steps to Compliance
Clients should be routed through efficient pathways to compliance, in as few steps as possible. When first evaluating clients, establish if work requirements apply, and only proceed forward if they do. Verify exemptions and compliance with automation first. Request more information only if automation fails.
Prioritize Client Communication
Coverage losses occur primarily due to lack of awareness and understanding, not eligibility. Communication systems and processes are a core component of implementation. Medicaid regulations require multichannel outreach. Texts, emails, and e-notices will reach clients more quickly and reliably than mail.
Involve the Medical Community
With the narrower interpretation of medical frailty requirements, the medical community has a more important role in making sure that eligible people get and keep coverage. Involving medical providers in reporting, verifying, and advocating for clients will provide benefits for states, clients, and providers themselves.

The average SNAP Payment Error Rate for a state is roughly 10.26%—well above the 6% threshold that triggers cost-sharing responsibilities under H.R. 1. That could mean millions in new financial liability for some states. Making smart policy choices can help lower it: https://bit.ly/4eqJ0hE

New H.R. 1 cost-sharing provisions could make states responsible for a portion of SNAP benefit costs. Depending on a state’s SNAP Payment Error Rate (PER), they might be on the hook for millions, if not billions, of dollars. Here are our recommendations for improving PER: https://bit.ly/4eqJ0hE

Use Simplified Reporting vs Change Reporting

Change reporting requires clients to report every minor income fluctuation. The frequency and timelines creates administrative challenges for caseworkers, which expose states to error risks.

Simplified reporting only requires clients to report major income changes that cross the eligibility threshold—a win for both caseworkers and clients with variable, low-wage incomes.
Don’t impose asset tests

SNAP rules allow states to choose whether to impose asset tests on SNAP participants. Calculating the exact value of a 15-year-old used car in a fluctuating market, for example, is extremely difficult, and an added burden for caseworkers and families.

When states impose asset tests, they’re introducing a massive liability for errors. States should waive these optional  tests to preserve their budgets.
Don’t artificially limit discretionary exemptions

Discretionary exemptions give states a grace period for people who'd otherwise lose SNAP due to new work requirements.

Some legislatures want to prohibit states from using these exemptions. Stripping agencies of this tool will further complicate time limits and translate directly into higher payment errors.
Don’t continuously verify income for Medicaid. Verify when someone is up for renewal. 
In integrated systems, automatic Medicaid income checks can create alerts that require SNAP caseworkers to take action—even on minor changes clients aren't required to report.

When SNAP caseworkers must act on every alert, it creates backlogs that can lead to payment errors.

Checking at renewal, instead of continuously, avoids this pileup.

Millions, or even billions, of dollars. That's what most states could be on the hook for in new SNAP cost-sharing liabilities under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Here are four ways to avoid policy traps that drive up errors, while also building a more effective safety net: https://bit.ly/4eqJ0hE

SNAP Policy Choices That Could Cost States Billions
Common policy traps that increase payment error rates and how states can avoid them

“The future we build is …” what? We asked attendees at Code for America Summit to share their vision. We were blown away by the responses! What do you think the future we build will look like? Share in the comments.

Code for America is proud to announce that we’re partnering with Anthropic to improve public benefits administration through the responsible use of AI. Together, we’re creating Claude-based tools to help government caseworkers administer public benefits. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3R0etz8

Code for America and Anthropic Partner to Create AI Tools for Caseworkers — Code for America

New Claude integrations will enable caseworkers to process cases efficiently and accurately while navigating a complex, rapidly changing benefits landscape

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