May 29, 30, June 5, Policy Hearing Takeaways

Excellence in Government: Preserving Benefit Integrity May 29th – Williamsport – Hosted by Rep. Hamm May 30th – Punxsutawney – Hosted by Rep. Smith June 5th – Harrisburg – Hosted by Chairman Kail

Social benefits serve as a ladder to independence for those in need and are a necessary support for Pennsylvanians without the resources to thrive on their own. For these benefits to be effective they must be safeguarded against fraud, abuse, and waste. The Policy Committee traveled across the state to learn about the benefits available to Pennsylvanians, how they are utilized, and how the legislature can work to ensure the integrity of social services and the prosperity of PA residents.

~ Agenda, Bios, & Testimony ~

5/29 Hearing 5/30 Hearing 6/5 Hearing

Key Takeaways:

Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA)

Sam Adolphsen
Policy Director, Foundation for Government Accountability

Roy Lenardson
State Government Affairs Director, Foundation for Government Accountability

Nicholas Adolphsen
State Government Affairs Director, Foundation for Government Accountability

	•	Utilization of welfare programs is increasing with each year. These increases do not align with changes to our population or workforce.
	•	PA has the highest percentage of budget allocations going towards Medicaid – 42% - of any state in the nation.
	•	1.5 million able-bodied people rely on welfare programs, while 14,000 people reside on a wait list for assistance.
	•	43% of Medicaid recipients in PA are able-bodies adults.
	•	Nationally, the Medicaid and food stamp error rate is 20% - resulting in $80 billion in fraud. 1 in 5 dollars spent on Medicaid is improper!   o   87% of errors are due to lack of documentation and “eligibility error”.
	•	Public support, among both political affiliations, for crosschecking benefits claims is 82% nationwide.

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What can be done RIGHT NOW to address Medicaid fraud?   o   Stop allowing “self-attestation” of income, household composition, residency, etc.   o   Require data between agencies to be cross-checked.   o   Increase oversight and approval of waivers.

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What can be done RIGHT NOW to bring about Food Stamp reforms?   o   Able-bodied adults, without dependents, should be encouraged to work.   o   Monitor where Food Stamps are spent. Specifically, monitor out-of-state use of PA benefits.   o   Crosscheck, and verify, records. Specifically, assess for deaths, incarceration, change of residency, and home occupancy.

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What can be done RIGHT NOW to ensure accountability in Unemployment Insurance?   o   Verify the recipient of unemployment checks.   o   Require recipients to look for work more frequently, at least 5 times a week, and to show up for interviews.   o   If a suitable job is refused employers should have some means to report refusal to work.   o   Bar fraudsters from receiving further unemployment checks.   o   Penalize “ghosting” of interviews.   o   Change the mindset of government. Focus on reemployment, not unemployment.

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Support the REINS Act – Regulations from Executive In Need of Scrutiny (HB487 Keefer)   o   If a proposed rule costs $1 million over 5 years, the state legislature must give approval.

In Case You Missed It:

“If we have accountability and integrity in our benefits programs there will be more money available to those who truly need it.” — Rep. Joe Hamm —

“We’re here to truly help the needy.” — Rep. Brian Smith —

“We must ensure we protect the taxpayer’s money.” — Chairman Joshua D. Kail —

“The better day is when you collect your first paycheck, not your first welfare check.” — Sam Adolphsen — Policy Director, The Foundation for Government Accountability

5/29 WATCH: 5/30 WATCH:

“Legislative oversight is a great way to preserve our benefits.” — Roy Lenardson — Director of State Government Affairs, The Foundation for Government Accountability

5/29 WATCH: 5/30 WATCH: 6/6 WATCH:

“Instead of freeing people from poverty we’re putting them on the sidelines and keeping them poor.” — Nicholas Adolphsen — Director of State Government Affairs, The Foundation for Government Accountability

6/6 WATCH:

Watch the Testimony:

5/29 Full Hearing: Excellence in Government: Preserving Benefit Integrity

Sam Adolphsen - Policy Director, The Foundation for Government Accountability

Roy Lenardson - Director of State Government Affairs, The Foundation for Government Accountability

Questions for the Testifiers


5/30 Full Hearing: Excellence in Government: Preserving Benefit Integrity

Sam Adolphsen - Policy Director, The Foundation for Government Accountability

Roy Lenardson - Director of State Government Affairs, The Foundation for Government Accountability

Questions for the Testifiers


6/5 Full Hearing: Excellence in Government: Preserving Benefit Integrity

Nicholas Adolphsen – Director of State Government Affairs, The Foundation for Government Accountability

Roy Lenardson - Director of State Government Affairs, The Foundation for Government Accountability

Questions for the Testifiers