Resources and Toolkits

SNAP Policy Choices That Could Cost States Billions

Common policy missteps states may take in efforts to reduce SNAP payment error rates (PERs), such as adopting change reporting, imposing asset tests, or limiting discretionary exemptions, can have unintended effects of increasing error rates. Instead, states should make informed policy choices, such as adopting simplified reporting, waiving asset tests, allowing discretionary exemptions, and implementing…

Common Missteps on the Road to Lower SNAP Payment Error Rates

Guidance on state policy chocies that tend to increase SNAP payment error rates include requiring change reporting or monthly reporting, imposing asset tests, and limiting discretionary exemptions. In contrast, states can reduce errors by simplifying reporting requirements, using BBCE, applying exemptions, and using one-month lookbacks to minimize reassessments and ensure coverage for eligible populations.

Open Source Software Tool (OSCER) for Medicaid Work Requirements

Open-source community engagement reporting (OSCER) tool enables states to achieve work requirements compliance automatically using client and ex parte data, or otherwise provide link for manual certification or exemption application. Provides staff with case management and reporting tools, and sends results to state Medicaid agencies for issuance or disenrollment.

Implementing Medicaid Work Requirements

Implementation-oriented framework to support states with adapting to community engagement/work requirements. Features overview of “look back” period and four-step compliance flow including: checking for automatic hardship, screening for exemptions, checking for participation, and allowing for requestable hardship.

Human-Centered Work Requirements for Medicaid

Evidence-based recommendations for states to optimize implementation of work requirements include: integrating compliance and exemption information and reporting into a single streamlined process, designing clear and actionable notices, utilizing text communications, and building mobile-friendly platforms.

Reducing Payment Error Rates for SNAP

Key strategies to improve accuracy and efficiency of SNAP program delivery, including evaluating intervention impacts independently, developing strong proxy metrics, watching for unintended consequences, strategically reviewing most error-prone case elements and actions, leveraging new technology for caseworkers, and improving client communication and outreach.

Blueprinting SNAP Work Requirements

Blueprint on how work requirement policy impacts the process of SNAP application, determination, and maintained eligibility. Provides human-centered implementation recommendations such as focused support, ease of exemptions, discovery/comprehensive interview to capture compliance.

Adaptable Resources for States and Locals

Various templates for state and local governments to meet OBBBA requirements, including primers for program staff and state leadership, targeted flyers for populations (e.g. veterans, unhoused, older adults), and work requirements checklists.