It was more than two years ago that the state launched its $200 million welfare benefits computer system over the objections of experts and county officials who said it wasn’t ready. Since then, errors have plagued the system even as state officials who oversee the program have proclaimed it in good working order.
Audits this year have criticized the state for failing to properly ensure the training of county workers and for an “unacceptable” rate of mistakes. In addition, a U.S. Department of Agriculture audit confirmed the high error rate and ordered the state to take action to collect mispayments.
The task of setting things straight will pass to incoming governor Bill Ritter. The administration of Gov. Bill Owens launched the system prematurely and has made progress in resolving the problems, but not enough to satisfy the counties or the clients.
In recent weeks, county officials have described the Colorado Benefits Management System as “a mess.” Since its launch on Sept. 1, 2004, the system has recorded more than 280,000 mistakes in benefits issued to residents who qualify for public assistance. The average is 11,300 mistakes a month.
Many of the mistakes are food-stamp overpayments, said Commissioner Susan Beckman of Arapahoe County, caused by computer glitches, worker error or client misinformation. The errors total some $98 million – money the state might have to repay the federal government.
The state Department of Human Services, whose job is to ensure that the system is functioning properly, is reluctant to discuss the problems in detail. Spokeswoman Liz McDonough said the DHS is in “discussions” with the USDA and “appealing their sanctions.” She said the DHS asked the counties in May to “recover” any overpayments, “starting with the biggest ones.” We can foresee a problem and wonder if the DHS does. People receiving the money likely don’t have the resources to repay money they received due to the limitations of a balky computer system. Attorney Ed Kahn, who sued the state two years ago on behalf of residents whose emergency benefits were delayed by system errors, said the effort to collect overpayments is underway. But “It’s a futile effort. These are poor people,” he said.
A group of county officials that includes Beckman and Boulder County Commissioner Tom Mayer have organized to publicize and address the problems. The group has met with Ritter and incoming lieutenant governor Barbara O’Brien. Auditing the mistakes is costing county taxpayers millions of dollars in new hires. Despite two years’ effort, county officials believe an end to CBMS problems is not yet in sight.
