Moody Amphitheater
IEES Rollout Caused Problems; CHIP Help Available
RECEIVED Mon., July 10, 2006
Dear Editor,
This is in response to Nicole Huizar's concerns regarding the difficulty she has been experiencing with her CHIP application [“Postmarks,” June 23]. On January 20, 2006, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission initiated a new program called the Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment System with the intent to allow individuals seeking human services to apply in new and expanded ways, including online, by fax, and through a statewide call center (211).
IEES is the result of an $899 million, five-year contract between HHSC and Texas Access Alliance. TAA is part of Accenture LLP, a company with a history of unfulfilled state contracts throughout the U.S. As with many attempts to privatize social services, there have been significant problems in the efficient and effective rollout of IEES, which have caused severe delays with applications for all services, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIP, and services for the elderly and disabled. While IEES is currently only a pilot project in Travis and Hays counties and has not been implemented statewide, it has created a domino effect causing delays throughout the state.
It is a sad truth that the most vulnerable segments of our community, particularly children, are so often the first to suffer the consequences of ill-conceived and poorly executed programmatic changes. My office has been working closely with our constituents to resolve cases such as Ms. Huizar's. I recommend that any individual experiencing similar problems call the HHSC Ombudsman's office at 491-1387 and their state representative. Due to confidentiality, the details of Ms. Huizar's case may only be disclosed upon her direct request. I am more than happy to assist her and any other constituent in my district. I can be reached at 463-0114.
This is in response to Nicole Huizar's concerns regarding the difficulty she has been experiencing with her CHIP application [“Postmarks,” June 23]. On January 20, 2006, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission initiated a new program called the Integrated Eligibility and Enrollment System with the intent to allow individuals seeking human services to apply in new and expanded ways, including online, by fax, and through a statewide call center (211).
IEES is the result of an $899 million, five-year contract between HHSC and Texas Access Alliance. TAA is part of Accenture LLP, a company with a history of unfulfilled state contracts throughout the U.S. As with many attempts to privatize social services, there have been significant problems in the efficient and effective rollout of IEES, which have caused severe delays with applications for all services, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Stamps, Medicaid, CHIP, and services for the elderly and disabled. While IEES is currently only a pilot project in Travis and Hays counties and has not been implemented statewide, it has created a domino effect causing delays throughout the state.
It is a sad truth that the most vulnerable segments of our community, particularly children, are so often the first to suffer the consequences of ill-conceived and poorly executed programmatic changes. My office has been working closely with our constituents to resolve cases such as Ms. Huizar's. I recommend that any individual experiencing similar problems call the HHSC Ombudsman's office at 491-1387 and their state representative. Due to confidentiality, the details of Ms. Huizar's case may only be disclosed upon her direct request. I am more than happy to assist her and any other constituent in my district. I can be reached at 463-0114.
Gonzalo Barrientos
State senator
District 14
State senator
District 14
