Bob Garcia (ACF) - Correction of website location - www.acf.hhs.gov
Child Care program - ACF monitors how money is spent and how successful the program is - Quality Performance Report has been introduced as a mandatory report and States must report how they spend their quality money. Federal reviews for eligibility are conducted every 3 years and presently entering into the 3rd cycle set. Error rates are calculated for the benefit of the individual States. Self-Assessment tool has been developed to assist States in the identification and assessment of their implementation of the CCDF program. It shows what they do well along with what they can improve upon.
Gale Harris (GAO) - Improving Efficient and Effectiveness presentation (PowerPoint) recent issued work demonstrates: data sharing (GAO-13-106) Looked at Michigan, New York, Utah and Allegheny County PA. Focused on eligibility and enrollment and case management. Showed reduced chance of improper payments and time savings. Challenges to data sharing - confusion about what can be shared, agencies overly cautious in interpreting requirements, requirements are inconsistent across programs, and organizational challenges (outdated systems, etc) Assistance is needed in providing guidance, models which comply with federal requirements, funds for pilots and demonstration projects. Existing federal efforts OMB Partnership fund and toolkit. GAO is working on data sharing issue. Privacy Act computer matching provisions (coming Dec 2013) GAO-13-680SP
Options to Improve TANF Performance and Oversight - Examples of options - eliminate or limit the caseload reduction credit, develop additional measure such as job placement or retention. This would shift focus on work.
GAO-13-570 Strategies to facilitate agencies' use of program evaluation results. GAO on-going work - Duplication, overlap and fragmentation; Effects of Sequestration; and Improper Payments (SNAP trafficking and the role of participant fraud in the SNAP error rate.)
Gloria Nagle (CMS) - PERM and MEQC reviews - there will be substantial changes in the review process as a result of ACA. There have been substantial changes to eligibility under ACA such as Switch to MAGI (this is a calculation process); single streamlined application (Medical only and Integrated); multiple access points; seamless account transfers; and hub to provide real-time data. The show letter provided last week basically said that due to the big changes, there will be an interim review process established. Looking for States to develop pilots which can be tested and implemented.
Mary Ellen Wiggins (OMB) - PowerPoint Presentation- Inspiring to see focus on customers and outcomes. But how can programs be delivered in a more efficient and accountable manner? Apply existing evidence that works, generate new knowledge and test new approaches of program delivery. Partnership Fund -established direct communication between States and OMB. Launched 11 pilot projects to improve program integrity, efficiency and effectiveness. Laid foundation for innovative initiatives to improve outcomes for clients. FY2014 $6 million Evidence-based Innovations built on Partnership Fund defining principles. Increase cost-effectiveness and return on investment across programs. Sign-up on Collaborative Forum website to stay current.
Jessica Shahin (FNS) - moving into 21st century has been a focus for SNAP for several years. States have done great work in this area. SNAP has a passion on program integrity. Face of SNAP - 47 million participants, reason is that the program is operating as intended and responding to the national economy. 87% are at or below poverty line, 15% had 0 income, only 3.5% had income over 133%. 41% SNAP households have income. SNAP's major impacts - lifts people out of poverty and SNAP reduces food insecurity. SNAP needs public support to do it;s job and it needs accountability to gain this support.
Reducing improper payments - QC program is strong - over 99% of people determined eligible are in fact eligible. 96.58% payment accuracy. (3.42% error rate)
Retailer Fraud - have taken significant actions to identify high-risk retailers. When reauthorizing, high-risk are completed annually. New rules increase retail sanctions.
Recipient fraud - FY12, there were 730,000 investigations. Final rule has been published on EBT card replacements which will provide States more opportunities to assist States. Can look at all transactions and identify those deemed suspicious. Florida has obtained a waiver to determine identity for on-line applications.
Q: Medical guidance on MEQC seems late for implementation, will there be any flexibility? A: The call Thursday may help and should ask the question there.
SNAP Award Presentations
Completion rate awards -
Oklahoma - 98.12%
North Carolina - 98.13%
Rhode Island - 98.39%
North Dakota - 98.65%
Vermont - 98.67%
Arkansas - 98.69%
Kentucky - 99.35%
South Dakota - 99.37%
Wyoming - 99.82%
Virgin Islands - 100%
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