Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Supporting Families After Welfare Reform Grant Delaware Health & Social Services Division of Social Services
Description n An annual survey of “SCHIP” families by the University of Delaware uncovered confusion and concern by families whose children dis-enroll and re- enroll in Medicaid and SCHIP. n A staff survey indicated too many families allow benefits to lapse. n Staff request assistance to streamline case processing. n Confusing client notices contribute to failure to complete eligibility process or understand benefits. Delaware Division of Social Services
Goals of the Grant n Increase SCHIP enrollment by 25% from start of grant to end of the grant. n Reduce “churning” of families who enroll in Medicaid, SCHIP, and/or Food Stamps, but allow their eligibility to expire. n Accomplish this with less staff, but with staff who have been coached to simplify, streamline, and use automation to process benefits accurately and promptly for families. Delaware Division of Social Services
Enrollment n n Delaware n Total Cases State Wide n For the month ofSCHIP MA * FS n Apr-023,41334,91817,108 n May-023,43435,70416,997 n Jun-023,58836,71417,168 n Jul-023,63635,09417,475 n Increase *LTC excluded. Delaware Division of Social Services
“Churning” n Reduce the number of times an application is denied, but then approved after a second or third attempt. n Reduce the number of open cases that close for failure to respond to notice to review. n Reduce confusion for families on the difference between SCHIP and Medicaid. Delaware Division of Social Services
Trained Staff n Implement improvements to automated system. n Clarify policy and update current procedures. n Schedule one-on-one site visits between Staff Development Trainers and field staff to help simplify and streamline case processing and to use the automated system to manage the work load and better assist clients. n Hold front line managers accountable for reviewing application activity and coaching staff in order to reduce churning. Delaware Division of Social Services
Medicaid Caseload Changes Delaware Division of Social Services MONTH Cases beginning Applications Cases % Cases % Case of month Approved Closed ClosedChanges Apr-0234,9187,6586,87216%+ 2% May-0235,704,8396,82916%+ 3% Jun-0236,7146,4598,07919%- 4% Jul-0235,0946,4597,68718%+ 3%
Medicaid Application Activity Delaware Division of Social Services MonthDecisionsApproved ApprovedDeniedDeniedWithdrawnWithdrawn Apr-0211,9467,65864%4,28836% 40.03% May-0212,5237,83963%4,68437% % Jun-0210,8176,45960%4,35840% % Jul-0211,2676,45957%4,80843% %
Changes Implemented to Date n Planning process just beginning. n No changes to report at this time. Delaware Division of Social Services
Current Status n Reports in the Diagnostic Grant are still under development and are not complete. Delaware Division of Social Services