2.1. HIGH-LEVEL PROJECT OVERVIEW, VISION, AND GOALS. The State (AHS) is seeking to implement the VT-IES Project. The VT-IES Project will optimize eligibility, enrollment, and customer management functionality to allow customers to determine eligibility and apply for, access, or maintain benefits offered by in-scope health care and economic benefit programs through a user-friendly access point that is personalized, welcoming, and comprehensive. VT-IES will be configurable, extensible, scalable, and flexible. Vermont's vision to modernize its IE&E system focuses on pursuing a phased, modular approach to implement a modernized IES that includes a Customer Portal, Case Management, and a Rules Engine (RE). VT-IES will be a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) certified, and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved solution, utilizing new and existing technologies to ensure the system will meet all State and Federal requirements of certification and compliance. Additionally, the State is looking to minimize financial risk and drive timely and consistent business value through this phased approach. The VT-IES Project will implement a functional IES Solution that enables the State to migrate all in-scope health care and economic services programs, processes, functionality, and data currently supported by the State's legacy I ES Solutions, as discussed in RFP Section 2.3.1. Additionally, it is expected that the VTIES Solution will integrate with or replace current and future (in-flight) technologies, as well as planned/future solutions (as referenced in Figure 1 and Table 1 provided below) built on the VT-IES Platform. Due to the numerous operational and technical inefficiencies of Vermont's current IES Solutions, the VTIES Project looks to achieve common system modernization goals, such as: • Simplified and Streamlined Application Process: The VT-IES Project seeks to create a more user-friendly, integrated, and efficient application process, reducing the need to provide redundant information and navigate numerous systems. This outcome aims to make it easier for Vermonters to apply for multiple benefits, resulting in a more cohesive and coordinated application process while at the same time only collecting the required information for the program(s) being applied to. • Seamless Access to Health Care Eligibility and Enrollment and Economic Benefits: The project aims to ensure that eligible Vermonters can easily access the health care eligibility and enrollment and economic benefits they need without facing unnecessary hurdles. By implementing the new IES and its functional modules, individuals will have a centralized access point that enables them to manage their health care eligibility and enrollment and economic services eligibility and benefits. This outcome aims to reduce confusion and provide a more user-friendly approach to program access. • Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness for State Staff. The VT-IES Project recognizes the challenges faced by State staff in delivering services to Vermonters. By implementing a modernized, integrated system with a customer portal, case management capabilities, and a rules engine, the project aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of State staff in managing eligibility and enrollment processes. This outcome aims to reduce manual workarounds and unnecessary tasks, enable better integration and coordination across programs, and increase data quality, all while simplifying procedures for State staff and improving their ability to serve Vermonters.
