Modernization of the Food Stamp Program in Florida

In 2004, Florida’s Department of Children and Families modernized its approach to administering the food stamp, cash assistance, and Medicaid programs by replacing the caseworker model with ACCESS Florida, a technology-driven system emphasizing self-service. This report examines ACCESS Florida early in its implementation—July through September 2006. Initial findings indicate that cost savings are substantial, but that there may be some reduction in participation in areas where customer service centers closed. Other states can use these results to understand the types of changes they may experience if they adopt Florida’s modernization model, which was both comprehensive and integrated.