December 15th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
Governor Wes Moore announced the launch of Maryland’s Unified Benefits Screener, a joint initiative between the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Health, and Information Technology to streamline benefit access. The new screener—the state’s first interagency online tool developed with a person-centered and mobile-first design—allows Marylanders to quickly and easily check their eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Emergency Assistance, Women Infants and Children (WIC), and Home Energy Assistance Program (OHEP) benefits. “Our administration is committed to sweating the details of governing and implementing common sense solutions that make life better for Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership, we are helping more families access essential services and building a government that serves the people.”
The intuitive tool requires users to input only basic, non-identifying information including household size, basic income and expenses, and disability status. Based on input, the tool empowers users to identify potential benefits for which they or someone in their family may be eligible and encourages them to apply. No documentation or account is required. The process takes approximately five minutes and can be completed from a laptop, library computer or smartphone. "The Unified Benefits Screener is a testament to statewide partnership, engineering, and human-centered design,” said Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage. “It's a big step forward that will help us serve more Marylanders. The state’s new Unified Benefits Screener is an example of how we plan to leverage technology going forward as an online home for data-driven, technical innovations. As we consolidate more in-house technical expertise and deepen partnerships between state agencies, we'll see even more Marylanders served through intuitive, human-centered solutions like this.”
The Unified Benefits Screener marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward a comprehensive, unified benefits application that is scheduled for release in 2025. The application-in-progress will allow Marylanders to apply for all benefits using a single application—rather than spending time applying for each benefit individually. The enhanced technology will better serve Marylanders by simplifying the benefits application process, ultimately making it easier for Marylanders to access, apply for, and manage their benefits.
“The Unified Benefits Screener is a simple idea that people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get the help they need," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott. "Yet, time and again, we saw Marylanders, hardworking families, parents, and individuals getting caught in a system that felt overwhelming and complicated. That’s not how it should be. We are excited about the opportunity for customers to have a more comprehensive understanding of what benefits they are eligible for and readily apply.”
Interagency collaboration has led to other significant technology-based improvements over the past year focusing on expanding access, scalability, and flexibility of state benefit services. Key enhancements include optimizing eligibility and enrollment processes and improving the customer experience on the public consumer portal.
“Through strategic collaboration, innovative technology and a commitment to serving our communities, we are breaking down the barriers to benefit access,” said MD THINK Executive Director Pat McLoughlin. “Together with our partners, we’re creating streamlined, equitable solutions for Marylanders.”
Through these advancements, Maryland continues to lead in ensuring accessible, efficient, and impactful services for families across the state.
“This work is only the latest in successful state and community-based partnerships we have modeled by intentionally listening to the people we have the honor of serving,” said Maryland Department of Human Services Rafael López. “Similar collaboration this summer saw the dramatic success of the Maryland SUN Bucks program, which expanded summer nutritional benefits to over 594,000 children – a historic 6.5-fold increase compared to previous years. This achievement highlights the state’s commitment to leveraging technology and interagency cooperation to deliver meaningful results for Marylanders.”
