UHIP: Gov. admits it was a mistake to layoff workers before launch
Almost three months into the troubled launch of the state’s new benefits system, UHIP, Governor Gina Raimondo admits it was a mistake to lay–off workers right before the switch.
Lay–off notices were sent to 70 employees, though in the end 15 ended up losing their jobs. Now, the Governor has ordered DHS to hire 35 temporary workers to help keep up with the growing backlog.
"I think it shows that we underestimated how much people power we would need with the new technology. And, I think it also shows that the team made a mistake in not doing this sooner,” said Raimondo.
Rep. Patricia Serpa the head of the House Oversight Committee whose been pushing for answers on the roll-out saying for weeks says she’s been questioning all along why workers were cut at such a vital time.
"Better late than never. I wish she had done it a month ago,” said Serpa. “It’s just been bad all the way around. There’s been nothing good about it.”
From delayed payments, to long lines, federal warnings and lots of frustration there has been one hit after another with the implantation of UHIP.
Most recently, a secretary breach putting personal information at stake and an error in the system declaring living people dead.
"It’s not acceptable the level of service we are providing clients we have got to fix it,” said Raimondo.
With the holidays right around the corner and thousands of families still waiting for benefits Rep. Serpa agrees the situation is unacceptable.
"I am very frustrated the people of Rhode Island who need these services deserve better, the taxpayers deserve better and frankly the employees there deserve better,” said Serpa.
Wednesday the Governor announced DHS will offer extended Saturday hours from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Pawtucket and Warwick offices.
Raimondo also saying that managers from other state agencies included DCYF and EMS will be brought in to help with customer service.
The last report of the numbers from Department of Administration officials places the back-log of applications that still need to be processed at 13,000.
(C) WLNE 2016
