Privatization fails, state takes back contract

Link: MySA.com: State takes back aid task.

Effective immediately, state workers again will be responsible for processing applications for assistance programs such as food stamps and Medicaid after myriad problems resulted with the private company [Bermudga-based Accenture] hired to do the job [for $899 million].

You can't say we didn't warn you. This began in 2003 when the Republican led legislature passed HB 2292 which started the dismantling of Health and Human Services. The contract is now back in the hands of state employees who are severely understaffed because they left the job in anticipation of being fired... sorry, I mean let go.

It seems that part of the savings that Accenture and privitization promised was that there would be fewer enrolled clients. They didn't tell us it would be because the private contractors would have "inadequate training and as a result are giving        erroneous or contradictory information to applicants [and p]rogram software is incompatible, causing delays in application processing and forcing workers to manually input information."

State officials claimed that the wanted to do away with long waiting lines by using the Internet and call centers. Hmmmm... so you expect those seeking welfare to get on their shiny MacBook Pro laptop or the cell phone to sign up. Nice. Reality doesn't mean much to you does it.