# Presentation: 523333

## PUBLIC ASSISTANCE 

- REPORTING INFORMATION
- SYSTEM

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- WHAT IS PARIS?
-      PARIS is a computer matching process by which the Social Security Numbers of public assistance recipients  are matched against various Federal databases and participating States.
- 	PARIS is operated under the auspices of the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- The PARIS History
- 1993 - 1997
- Various one-time tests prove State interest  in process.  ACF provides computer support.
- 1999
- First Interstate match;  Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) joins program.
- 2002-2004
- Access to Federal databases.
- Counties allowed to participate.
- New URL for website  - - _[www.acf.hhs.gov/paris](http://www.acf.hhs.gov/paris)__._
- Surviving Spouse match added to VA match.

**Notes:**
Eff. May 2004, in a County-Administered/State-Supervised State where the STATE does not participate in PARIS, one or two Counties may participate.

New URL - www.acf.hhs.gov/paris [all lower case]

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- The PARIS History
- 2005
- Congress provided $2M in funding for the PARIS Project in January 2005.
- Grant Announcement issued on April 25, 2005  awarded six grants on 9/30/2005.
- Evaluation Contract awarded on  9/27/05.
- Conference contract awarded on 9/28/05.

**Notes:**
Eff. May 2004, in a County-Administered/State-Supervised State where the STATE does not participate in PARIS, one or two Counties may participate.

New URL - www.acf.hhs.gov/paris [all lower case]

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- The Basics
- PARIS provides 3 matches in one...Federal, Veterans Affairs (VA) and Interstate focusing on 3 Programs:  TANF, Medicaid, Food Stamps.
- Matches offered quarterly  - Importance of timely submission  (Feb, May,  August and November) .
- Match by SSN.
- Aid program integrity.
- Raises a “red flag.”

**Notes:**
'Federal' match is with DOD and OPM files, including both Active and Retired military and civilian personnel.

Quarterly Matches - run 20th of Feb.,May, Aug.and Nov.

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- The Federal Role (ACF)
- ACF Central point of contact
- PARIS State Board of Directors
-      (PA, WA, CT, DE. NY, VA)
- Manage website
- Promote usage/Encourage State enrollment

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- The Legal Stuff
- ACF obtains OMB Computer Matching Act Clearance every 30 months.
- Memorandum of Agreement legalizes State participation  in PARIS (Model Agreement).
- States decide on PARIS participation based on voluntary involvement (No unfunded mandates).

**Notes:**
'Federal' match is with DOD and OPM files, including both Active and Retired military and civilian personnel.

Quarterly Matches - run 20th of Feb.,May, Aug.and Nov.

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

-  What’s the Cost?
- Data transmission and matching report are provided at no cost to participating jurisdictions.
- DMDC assumes all computer facility costs.
- State programming, data preparation, and resulting match analysis costs are the only costs that are assumed by State.

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- The Increased Workload
- Matched cases need review
- Added time investment 0.5 to 2.5 hours/case
- Contact client for confirmation/verification
- Overpayment/sanction processing
- Correction or collection process

**Notes:**
Contact client - Computer Matching Act requires State to give client notice and appeal rights before terminating him/her based on a computer file match.  [E.g., DC sends a certified letter, return receipt requested, saying question about client's eligibility has arisen and client should come in within 'x' days.  If client doesn't respond, which is common, DC can legitimately close his/her case.]

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- Using Filters
- To decrease match analysis:
- Demographics (date of birth, sex)
- Sixty day overlap
- Minimum benefit ($50)
- Skip previous matches

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- Who Uses PARIS?
- 	 33 Jurisdictions have joined PARIS

| Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Idaho | Missouri
Nebraska
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
West Virginia
Alaska
Indiana | South Dakota
Tennessee
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Washington, DC
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Louisiana
Colorado
New Mexico
Arkansas |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- Why Should You Use PARIS?
- One match does it all (one-stop shopping)
- Incorporates 3 matches for 1 submission.
- Utilizes same labor for numerous matches.
- Establishes contact/communication with other participating States.
- Includes States you would normally not “match” with.

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- Endorsements
- 	 GAO Report No. 01-935 (Government Accountability Office) entitled “PARIS Project Can Help States Reduce Improper Payments” dated 9/6/2001 and is on our website cited:
- That more State participation needed to maximize potential savings.
- Medicaid accounted for over 50% of matches.
- Contiguous States provided a majority of the matches.
- Non-contiguous States provided a significant number of matches due to “snowbird effect.”

## Public Assistance Reporting Information System

- Official PARIS Website
- http://www.acf.hhs.gov/paris

- Who to Contact: 	- Mark Graboyes,  HHS/ACF , PARIS Project Manager
- 	202 - 401 - 7237  or  mgraboyes@acf.hhs.gov
- -Elliot Markovitz,   Pennsylvania, President - PARIS Board     of Directors
- 	717 - 787 - 9015  or emarkovitz@state.pa.us