Legal issues, capacity constraints, fragmented data systems and privacy concerns all pose significant roadblocks to sharing data. Improving and extending data sharing across government to determine eligibility for benefits could help programs reach everyone in need.

Data sharing between federal agencies and state and local governments can use existing information to streamline eligibility processes and ensure that those who qualify receive benefits. These “cross-enrollments” link existing data and eligibility determinations from one public benefit program to determine eligibility for another, reducing administrative steps and burdensome enrollment procedures. For example, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children considers applicants eligible if they receive Medicaid benefits. Data linkages can also help with benefit renewals. Most programs require periodic reverification of eligibility, an onerous process that sometimes results in eligible participants losing their benefits. Through data sharing, recertification from one assistance program can be used to extend eligibility for another…

On a technical level, many parts of federal data infrastructure are fragmented and outdated, making data linking a challenge. Data documentation standards are lacking, and there have been gaps in updating data definitions and other important changes over time. Increasing data sharing for benefits eligibility will require significant investments to build an interoperable, modernized data infrastructure and the administrative capacity to match.

The challenge of improving government data sharing is not new. Over the past three decades, the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, E-Government Act of 2002, and other programs and pilots have attempted to improve and better integrate government data systems, with limited results. Currently, however, a number of promising legislative and technical initiatives seek to improve government data sharing… Read the full article here.