Rhode Island’s new online portal for programs like Medicaid and food stamps is set to go live mid-September. The new system will streamline the process for people seeking services. It could also impact some DHS employees.
Right now, Rhode Islanders seeking services like cash assistance or food stamps have to fill out an application in person at a different office for each service. The new online portal combines all services – a place to find out if you’re eligible, input your personal information, and enroll. It replaces 30-year-old technology, and possibly some employees as the department reorganizes.
State officials say they remain in-talks with unions and cannot provide any lay-off numbers at this time. The state’s largest IT project ever has cost millions of dollars to build but officials say it should save money by making it easier to spot waste or abuse of services.
