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Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'Nothing you can do except stand here': Public assistance office keeps Alaskans waiting
Jun. 7—A dozen people congregated outside the doors to the Division of Public Assistance office in Anchorage on Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. Case workers weren't scheduled to arrive for another 90 minutes. But the Alaskans outside, wrapped in coats under gray drizzly skies, were already waiting. Among them was Savannah Lee, who said her agoraphobia and other mental health conditions make waiting in line extremely stressful. Benefits from the Division of Public Assistance are her final hope to avoid homelessness, she said. "I've been trying to get assistance forever," she said, gesturing to the line of waiting people, which included parents with infant children and the elderly, most waiting with nowhere to sit. The more experienced among them had brought camp chairs. "It's really hard for me to be in public, and they don't offer services for people like me other than this," she said. Officials with the state Division of Public Assistance — which oversees Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and several other benefits programs in Alaska — say that to avoid a monthslong backlog, applicants should go to one of a handful of offices to meet with a case worker in person. In Anchorage, the state's largest city, the division operates only one site. Every day, dozens line the hall of the University Center Mall, waiting to be seen. "(Division staff) said that they could put our application in, but it could be weeks. If we wanted to get our case worked the same day, we needed to show up here hours before they open and wait in line, which is what we're doing," said Lee, accompanied by a friend who was assisting her with her application. "I don't have weeks. I'm going to be homeless in seven days," said Lee, who has an 18-month-old daughter. Lee is among thousands of Alaskans who rely on the Division of Public Assistance to receive benefits. One in three Alaskans are covered by Medicaid; one in 11 rely on SNAP, previously called food stamps, for monthly stipends that can be used to pay for food items in stores and markets. The division for years has been struggling to follow state and federal laws governing the programs they administer. According to a recent report from the division, less than half of SNAP applications between November and April were processed within federally required timelines — seven days for expedited applications and 30 days for other applications. As of May, more than 1,300 had been waiting five months or longer. Congress is considering new and expanded work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP that might exacerbate the backlog. Verification of new work requirements in Alaska would fall to the same division that already has a monthslong backlog. "The work requirement itself is extremely administratively burdensome to the agency," said Saima Akhtar, senior attorney with the National Center for Law and Economic Justice, which is representing SNAP recipients in class action litigation against the state. "It's a huge amount of additional documentation and verification in order to determine who is eligible and when and if they are meeting their program requirements," said Akhtar. "Expanding the work requirements means you need to have more workers to keep track of who is meeting their work requirements." Division of Public Assistance Director Deb Etheridge did not respond to an interview request. Instead, a Department of Health spokesperson responded to questions in an email. The division "acknowledges the high volume of visitors at our Anchorage office and the challenges that creates for individuals seeking services. We share the public's concern and are actively working on multiple fronts to improve the experience for applicants," wrote spokesperson Alex Huseman. The Anchorage office reopened in January, after a COVID pandemic-induced closure that began in 2020 and lasted more than four years. "Like many public service agencies across the country, we have faced hiring and retention challenges, but we remain committed to filling vacancies and building a strong, sustainable workforce," Huseman wrote. Under Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the Division of Public Assistance cut more than 100 staff positions in 2021 — when a pandemic-era lifting of federal regulations reduced the workload. Though Huseman said the post-pandemic demand "rebounded — rapidly and significantly," the number of case worker positions remains roughly 25% lower than it was five years ago. Even with fewer funded positions, the division has struggled to fill its ranks, contending with high turnover fueled by a competitive job market and stagnant public sector wages that have not kept up with the cost of living. "While the number of funded positions remains below pre-2021 levels, the division has been actively working to address current needs by maximizing resources," Huseman wrote. Akhtar, who has litigated cases against other states over their mishandling of benefits programs, said the "persistent nature" of Alaska's SNAP backlog means the state is not making the systemic changes needed to meet processing requirements. "There are other states that I have seen with a backlog," she said. But once agencies are made aware of the problem, states have been able to address the underlying causes. In Alaska, there has been "recurrence" of SNAP backlogs since 2022. "It's been ebbing and flowing, but we haven't seen resolution. We haven't seen the sort of changes that are going to cover a substantial amount of distance," said Akhtar. That means the agency may not be able to implement the changes needed to adapt to new requirements considered by Congress. "At the end of the day, it will still come down on some level to having enough warm bodies and enough trained people in place to do the volume of work that is necessary to maintain the caseload," said Akhtar. Faster 'watching food grow' Huseman said that the Anchorage office offers priority to clients who are homeless, elderly, have serious medical issues, are disabled, or who traveled a long way to get to the office. "During busy times, our staff check the line often to find and help these individuals quickly and respectfully," said Huseman. "Our goal is to avoid asking clients to come back another day. Instead, we do our best to find other ways to help them right away." Some clients — like Lee — still have to wait for hours just to see a case worker who can determine whether they meet the qualifications for same-day assistance. Those who can spend several hours waiting for a case worker at one of the division's offices are comparatively lucky. In-person services are offered in Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, Nome, Kenai, Homer, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Bethel and Kodiak. For Alaskans who don't live in these communities and who don't have the ability to travel — including tens of thousands of rural residents off the road system — the only option is to submit paperwork by mail or online. Shannon Nanalook lives in Togiak, a village of roughly 800 residents in the Bristol Bay region. She has been without monthly SNAP deposits since April, after the state failed to process her renewal application on time. In April, only 18% of recertifications were processed on time by the state, according to a recent report. Nanalook, a single mother of two, is still waiting. Traveling to a division office is cost-prohibitive. This spring, she planted vegetables. "Watching food grow would be faster," she said. Nanalook said she has relied on SNAP ever since she became pregnant with her second child, who is now 3 years old. But in recent years, the annual renewal process has left her without deposits for months at a time. Her son has severe food allergies, which makes feeding her family without SNAP deposits more challenging. She has tried submitting renewal paperwork both by mail and online. When she has called the division, she has often waited on the line for several hours, only to be told her application is still pending. "It's the same thing over and over again," she said. "I ask them: Is there anything I can do on my end to help expedite this process? And they say no." Huseman, with the Department of Health, said the division has "increased our triage staffing to answer calls more quickly and direct callers to the correct resources." New federal requirements, Nanalook said, would make a bad situation worse. "Making it harder to apply isn't going to fix nothing," she said. 'Greater accountability' Supporters of the new work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid — including Alaska's U.S. Rep. Nick Begich — said they would protect the "integrity" of the programs. Begich declined interview requests from the Daily News and did not answer questions on Alaska-specific impacts of the bill. Some health experts in Alaska, and several state lawmakers, said the end result of the requirements under consideration would be to complicate an already onerous process, thus causing thousands to lose the health and food benefits on which they rely. "Work requirements literally cannot be implemented in the state of Alaska," Rep. Zack Fields recently said on a podcast hosted by fellow Anchorage Democratic Rep. Andrew Gray. "It would be implemented by the same people to verify SNAP eligibility, where they have a 61% error rate." Republicans in Congress are looking to make cuts to Medicaid and SNAP spending in order to help finance, in part, the extension of tax cuts sought by President Donald Trump. The budget reconciliation bill would cut taxes by $3.75 trillion and increase the national deficit by $2.4 trillion in the next decade, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. The office also estimated the bill would eliminate health insurance for 10.9 million people across the country. The budget reconciliation bill, known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," is now under consideration by the U.S. Senate. Alaska U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both Republicans, have raised some concerns over funding cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Both have acknowledged that cuts to the programs could have far-reaching consequences while remaining open to the prospect of work requirements, as long as states have flexibility in implementing them. Approached last Sunday with questions about changes to Medicaid, Sullivan refused to answer and walked away. His office declined an interview request later in the week. Instead, his spokesperson Amanda Coyne offered a written statement by email, in which she said that Sullivan "generally supports work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP, with commonsense exceptions, such as for recipients who have mental health conditions, or who live in rural areas where employment options are limited." "While the Senator supports greater accountability in these programs, he will work with the state, which will be implementing the requirements, to ensure that paperwork and administrative burdens do not prevent people from accessing the safety net programs they need," Coyne wrote. In addition to expanded work requirements in SNAP, lawmakers are considering transferring some of the costs of the program from the federal government to states. In Alaska, that could mean an added annual cost of roughly $69 million from the state treasury. The increased cost for the state is particularly high because the bill is written to penalize states with higher SNAP error rates. Alaska's SNAP error rate is among the highest in the country. Transferring some costs to the state could incentivize the state to do a poor job of processing benefits, said Akhtar, with the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. "If I have to pay 5% or 10% of the cost of the benefits that go out, that incentivizes me to give fewer benefits out," she said. "That creates yet another incentive not to process applications and not to get the job done, because it will cost me more money, if I am the state." Coyne wrote that Sullivan "understands that the SNAP program is a critical lifeline for low-income families in Alaska." "Alaska's vast size and many remote communities create unique challenges in administering the program in the state, resulting in higher error rates," Coyne wrote by email. "Sen. Sullivan and his team have been working with the state to address this error rate. He is also working to ensure any changes to SNAP in the reconciliation bill take Alaska's unique needs into account and continue to deliver benefits to eligible Alaskans." Murkowski declined an interview request on Republican-backed changes to Medicaid and SNAP. In a statement, her spokesperson, Joe Plesha, said Murkowski "has been consistent from the beginning of the reconciliation process about how important the Medicaid and SNAP programs are to families in Alaska. She is in close discussions with her colleagues to advocate for these safety net programs on which many Alaskans rely." 'It isn't worth my time' Leo Gant, a 69-year-old, leaned heavily on a cane after joining the Division of Public Assistance line in Anchorage at 7:45 a.m., preparing for at least two hours of waiting before he reached the desk of a case worker. "Why they only have the one (office) here in Anchorage — I don't understand," he said. Gant, who lives with his niece in Anchorage, relies on Medicaid to cover the cost of pricey medications for diabetes and high blood pressure. He recently underwent surgeries on his knee and shoulder. "We'll see how long my knees and my back hold up until I walk out and come back again tomorrow," he said. Gant previously received SNAP benefits but said he had stopped applying because the process had become so cumbersome. "They don't pay enough to mess with coming here and getting it renewed," said Gant. "It isn't worth my time standing here in this line." But without Medicaid, he said he wouldn't be able to afford the medications he needs. So he must return every year. Under the bill considered by Congress, he may need to prove his continued eligibility for Medicaid twice a year, instead of once. Supporters of the measure say that it is meant to weed out fraud and abuse. For Alaska, that could mean additional strain on a workforce of eligibility technicians — half of whom left the division last year. "They can definitely figure out a different system," said Gant, who previously tried applying for benefits online. "Sometimes, I've been on the phone for six hours or more before I finally get tired." "There's nothing you can do except stand here," he said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
NC must be ready to pay for hurricane recovery if FEMA loses funding, Gov. Stein says
North Carolina legislators may need to put hundreds of millions of dollars into the state's rainy-day fund to help with hurricane relief in case the federal government stops supporting disaster recovery, Gov. Josh Stein says. At a press conference marking the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, Stein said Thursday that President Donald Trump's cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency could leave states on their own to fund disaster recovery. Cuts to the federal agency that provides emergency aid to individuals and communities after events such as hurricanes, floods and fires constitutes 'a man-made disaster,' Stein said. The governor also said he was concerned about cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, whose National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service forecasts provide the basis for weather-related planning to keep people out of harm's way. 'We are heading into this hurricane season with more uncertainty than usual,' Stein said, because funding for FEMA and NOAA are both in flux. Forecasters at NOAA and Colorado State University both have said they expect a busier-than-average hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. NOAA's forecasters say the Atlantic and Gulf coasts should expect 13 to 19 named storms in 2025. Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes, including three to five that could be major hurricanes, Category 3 or stronger, with winds of at least 111 mph. The Atlantic basin has been in a period of more frequent hurricanes that are stronger and more destructive than in the past, probably due in part to climate change, researchers say. Hurricane Helene, which came ashore on Florida's Gulf Coast last September, was a tropical storm by the time it reached North Carolina, but has been blamed for 107 deaths in the state and caused more than $53 billion in damage, according to estimates made in October. As of May 30, FEMA said it had given North Carolina more than $656 million through the Public Assistance program, which funds state and local governments' response and recovery work, including road repair, debris removal and infrastructure repair. Through FEMA's Public Assistance program, the state received more than $484 million at a 100% federal cost share for 180 days, funding projects for road repair, debris removal, critical infrastructure repair and more. Since Jan. 20, 2025, more than $172 million in Public Assistance reimbursements has been approved to support the recovery efforts in North Carolina. The agency says it also has approved more than $455 million to help storm survivors pay for food, medicine, housing and home repairs, and another $22.4 million to repair private roads and bridges damaged by Helene. Stein and William Ray, the state's director of emergency management, said the beginning of hurricane season is a good time to start an emergency kit, which could be filled and ready to go when the season ramps up in North Carolina, usually beginning in August. has specific guidance on what to put into a hurricane kit and information on evacuation zones and routes. This story was produced with financial support from the Hartfield Foundation and Green South Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. If you would like to help support local journalism, please consider signing up for a digital subscription, which you can do here.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. Congressman introduces bill to hold FEMA accountable
WASHINGTON D.C. (WMBB) – U.S. Congressman Neal Dunn introduced the 'Streamlined FEMA Cost Exemption Act' bill to the House in Washington, D.C., Thursday morning. The bill's goal is to prevent FEMA 'claw-backs' of Public Assistance grants for disaster recovery projects. FEMA has attempted to claw-back its relief funds for several panhandle communities. Some governments are more equipped for a claw-back scenario, like Bay County, which has tools like a surtax. For a rural area like Washington County, a claw-back would be detrimental. 'They did 100% audit twice and partial audits, two more times, and they were all approved,' said U.S. Congressman Neal Dunn. 'Money was lent, then roads were built. And then seven years later, FEMA comes around, says, 'Oh, we made a mistake.' We need $100 million back.' Dunn said this is unacceptable in rural counties. 'And, you know, you can't do that to rural counties, especially rural fiscally constrained counties,' said Dunn. 'Washington County is one of the counties involved in this. Can you imagine them coming up with $100 million? Not in a thousand years.' The question remains, should any community who's been promised funds in a time of tragedy and destruction have to turn around and give FEMA the funds back? 'They came in and audited both Bay County and Washington County and approved it repeatedly. Repeatedly ordered it and approved it. Then you go spend the money and they say, 'Oh, we're not and we want it back.' That's wrong. That's just wrong,' Dunn said. His passion for the topic led him to write the legislation he is hoping Congress will pass this year. Bay County officials said legislation that reinforces FEMA's system would be extremely reassuring. 'It would be a marvelous thing for us to know that going forward, we would be able to be set up in a place to know that we wouldn't get the rug pulled out from under us after we were doing work for recovery for our citizens,' Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore said. The bill has been in the works for some time. Dunn said they previously attempted to stiffen the FEMA regulations in 2018. 'We actually did an anti 'claw-back' law back in the 150th Congress, but we only made it for three, so they could go beyond three years back. This time, we're going to go to pinch them a little harder. We're going to make it two years and we're going to make the rules a lot more stringent,' added Dunn. The Streamlined FEMA Cost Exemption Act makes reinforcements by: Exempt 'covered project' costs to FEMA Public Assistance projects while executing a grant agreement with FEMA. Prohibits the recoupment of certain Public Assistance grants by adjusting the statute of limitations from three years to two years. Includes a FEMA waiver of certain recoupment funds. Grants FEMA discretion to prioritize the pursuit of project overruns exceeding 5 percent of the total project cost. Requires the FEMA Administrator to develop and establish an 'acceptable error ratio' for allocations during eligibility negotiations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
President approves aid for Mississippi tornado survivors
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) announced his request for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance for counties affected by the March 14-15 tornado outbreak was approved by President Donald Trump. The governor initially requested the aid in early April. During the outbreak, Mississippi experienced 18 tornadoes, severe storms, flooding, and straight-line winds. Seven deaths were attributed to those storms. Eleven counties were approved for Individual Assistance, and 17 counties were approved for Public Assistance. 'I'd like to thank President Trump for approving my request for Individual and Public Assistance,' said Reeves. 'This support will go a long way in helping Mississippi to rebuild and recover. Our entire state is grateful for his approval.' More tornadoes and fewer meteorologists make a dangerous mix that worries officials Individual Assistance was approved for Covington, Grenada, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Leflore, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Smith, and Walthall counties. Individual assistance is available to residents in those eleven counties and can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of this are the counties that were approved for Public Assistance: Calhoun, Carroll, Covington, Grenada, Humphreys, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Lee, Leflore, Marion, Pike, Prentiss, Sharkey, Smith, Walthall, and Washington counties. The purpose of the Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program is to support municipalities and counties recovering from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoration of public infrastructure. This assistance is not for homeowners or business owners. Residents in the approved counties who sustained losses during the March 14-15 severe weather can now apply for assistance by registering online at or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The disaster number is: DR-4874. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
FEMA approves $1 million for waterline repair in Johnson County
JOHNSON COUNTY. Tenn. (WJHL) — $1 million has been approved to repair the Crackers Neck Road waterline in Johnson County. On Friday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced in a news release that funds were approved to repair the waterline along Crackers Neck Road, which serves the community near Vaught Creek. 'Because Public Assistance is a cost-sharing program, FEMA reimburses applicants 75% of the eligible cost of approved projects,' the news release states. 'The federal share is paid directly to the state to disburse to agencies, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations that incurred those costs. The remaining 25% represents nonfederal funds.' The total project cost is $1,340,800, and the federal cost share is $1,005,600. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
