Written by ALISTER MARTIN and TARA MENON
If a friend asked you which state, Massachusetts or Texas, has a more streamlined federal benefits enrollment program, what would you guess?
After assisting over 17,000 families in accessing $1.8M in federal and state aid in both states, our experience has shown that Texas is leading the way in public benefits access. While Massachusetts has room for improvement, the issue of complex and fragmented benefits systems is widespread across many states.
At Link Health, operating in Boston and Houston, we recognize the need for change. By partnering with FQHCs, we help underserved communities navigate and enroll in essential benefit programs like healthcare, food access, housing, and affordable internet.
One major challenge we’ve encountered is the lack of awareness and complexity of benefit programs. In Massachusetts, separate applications for each program create barriers for families in need. This fragmented approach is common nationwide, resulting in billions of unclaimed federal aid every year.
In contrast, Texas’s “Your Texas Benefits” platform offers a user-friendly, centralized application process for various state benefit programs. This unified system simplifies the enrollment process, allowing applicants to access multiple programs through a single portal.
While Massachusetts has taken steps towards a common application system, more work is needed to streamline benefits access. The recent Medicaid renewal challenges highlight the urgent need for integrated systems to ensure eligible individuals retain their benefits.
Adopting user-friendly platforms like Texas’s common application system can break down barriers to accessing essential support services. Our team at Link Health has utilized AI to improve benefits access in Massachusetts, but systemic change is required on a larger scale.
Encouragingly, Massachusetts is moving towards a secure common application portal for needs-based benefits, signaling progress in the right direction. States must commit to building integrated systems to maximize the impact of available aid and empower citizens.
Let’s learn from Texas and advocate for changes that improve access to resources for all Americans. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure those in need can access support without unnecessary barriers. Together, we can create a more equitable system for all.
Dr. Alister Martin is an emergency physician and the CEO of A Healthier Democracy. Tara Menon is a medical student at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
