House Passes Bill to Halt FSSA Modernization to the Rest of the State (STATEHOUSE) Feb. 25, 2009 - The Indiana House of Representatives passed House Bill 1691, which would temporarily halt the rollout of the modernization of the Family and Social Services Administration welfare application process. In October 2007, FSSA initiated a program to assist the State of Indiana in making eligibility determinations for Medicaid, food stamps and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs. The initial rollout included 12 north-central Indiana counties, with the second phase May 2008 in 57 southern Indiana counties. Rep. Crouch authored House Bill 1691 when she began to see system flaws in her district, which was included in the second phase of the rollout. Many of her constituents who receive benefits from the modernized FSSA system have experienced great difficulty with issues such as making claims or receiving benefits. Hospitals and doctors also experienced difficulty dealing with the modernized system. Recently, FSSA Secretary Anne Murphy acknowledged problems with the modernization program and stopped the rollout in the remaining counties until the program can be evaluated. "This bill is about making government more responsive for the elderly, disabled and needy who need these benefits," said Rep. Crouch. "More important, this bill is about representing my district and being a voice for those constituents in Indianapolis." House Bill 1691 will be sent to the Senate. |
