Self-Service" Website Improves Access To Public Benefits

Press Release

Governor Bill Ritter, Jr. announced that the first phase of the Program Eligibility and Application Kit (PEAK) website has been successfully launched. The new website is designed to provide better access to public programs for the most vulnerable Coloradans.

"In these tough economic times, this new self-service function is just the first phase of our strategy to improve how we provide benefits to individuals and families across the state. This is an important effort to streamline government, allowing us to deliver services more efficiently than ever through the increased use of technology," explained Governor Ritter.

PEAK is a collaborative effort between the Governor's Office of Information Technology, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Department of Human Services and is part of the overall strategy to improve the Colorado Benefits Management System (CBMS).

The new website, Colorado.gov/benefits, allows individuals to easily check to see if they may be eligible for food assistance, cash assistance, Colorado Works, Medicaid or the Child Health Plan Plus program. Prospective clients can anonymously answer some basic questions and find out if they may be eligible for programs. This process eliminates the need to fill out applications if they do not qualify.

"The introduction of PEAK is yet another step in our goal to reduce administrative barriers to applying for medical programs," says Joan Henneberry, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing's executive director. "There is a growing demand for public health insurance and PEAK provides online access to information allowing our clients better access to benefits and services. PEAK is part of our coordinated strategy to improve customer service."

In addition, PEAK allows existing clients the ability to check the status of their benefits and view the status of future benefits.

"This new tool is all about access and improving opportunities for people to apply for benefits like food assistance, for which demand is soaring," commented Colorado Department of Human Services Executive Director, Karen L. Beye.

The Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT) began managing the CBMS program in June 2009 with a focus on delivering new self-service functionality. "Allowing our clients the ability to check their benefits at anytime without delay is a key goal for the program," explained OIT's Executive Director Mike Locatis.

In spring 2010, the state intends to expand the existing website by including the ability to complete an application for benefits online through PEAK.

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