Mobility a must for state social services programs
Published: October 01, 2014
HHSHealth CareHealth ITInnovationMobilitySocial Services
Over the last 2-3 years, state governments have seen an increase in mobile traffic to health and human services websites. A recent Government Technology article highlighted this trend, noting that half of all traffic to Georgia’s child support website in 2012 came from mobile phones. Similarly, one in three visits to the New Jersey child support website in 2013 came from a mobile device. In response, many state IT departments are adopting “mobile first” strategies to ensure that information and benefits are easily accessible via mobile technologies, which are oftentimes the sole source of Internet access for many state residents.
Several states have pioneered smartphone apps for social services programs, which participants can download to quickly get information about their benefits or to access additional resources. New Jersey and California have developed child support phone apps to help recipients manage child support accounts on the go. Georgia has developed Quickwic, an app for WIC participants who want instant access to their benefits and information about eligible purchases. The Connecticut Health Insurance Marketplace, Access Health CT, developed a smartphone app that makes it easier for residents to browse healthcare plans and submit applications, even allowing residents to take photos of their verification documents and upload them to their account.
Deltek predicts an increase in user-friendly, mobile-enabled Web applications that make it easier for both caseworkers and constituents to access the information and resources they need. Vendors who emphasize mobile-first strategies or the importance of mobile-friendly software applications will stand out to state governments looking for innovative health and social services solutions. Pennsylvania announced that it is considering a mobile app for WIC payments, and many other states are looking for ways to make their health and social services programs more mobile friendly. To learn more about upcoming health and human services IT business opportunities, be sure to visit the State & Local Vertical Profiles for Health Care and Social Services. Not a Deltek subscriber? Click here to learn more about Deltek's GovWin IQ service and gain access to a free trial.