Page 26

• Providers may document the issuance of participant supports and request DTA issued transportation supports on behalf of participants. • All PATH users may search entered information at the client, specific program, component type, or provider level. DTA/UMass Chan users can search for data at the statewide level. • DTA/UMass Chan staff regularly review and analyze PATH data to determine program and provider efficacy, compliance with contract requirements, training needs, etc. *A completed and signed PSI is required for every SNAP client prior to a provider accessing their records via PATH. The PSI grants permission for the named provider to check a client’s eligibility for SNAP Path to Work enrollment. It allows the provider and DTA to exchange information about a client’s E&T eligibility, participation, and outcomes for the shorter of a period of two years from date of signature or until the client revokes access. The PSI also authorizes DTA to obtain records about the client’s employment status from other state agencies, federal agencies and from Equifax Workforce Solutions. Providers, DTA, and UMass Chan E&T staff also share participant data verbally, via secure email, and/or via UMass Chan’s password protected Secure File Transfer System (SFTS). Links: Partner Activity Tracking Hub (PATH): https://dtapath.eohhs.mass.gov/#!/landing_top/landing UMass Chan’s Secure File Transfer System (SFTS): https://secure.chcf-umms.org/WebClientNew/Login If the State uses a MIS system, describe the E&T related data that is tracked and stored in those systems (e.g. referrals, noncompliance with program requirements, provider determination, etc.), and whether the system(s) interact with each other. PATH relies on BEACON data when determining preliminary eligibility for SNAP E&T services and rechecking eligibility monthly as part of the Client Eligibility Listing (CEL) process. PATH also relies on real time BEACON data to capture certain enrollment demographics and to display the participant’s address, SNAP case status and work requirement status via the SNAP Path to Work participant record. When a Permission to Share Information (PSI) form is entered on either system, the information is posted to both systems, ensuring that both E&T and eligibility staff are aware that the client has granted permission for DTA to share information with that provider organization. Providers enter requests for DTA issued transportation support payments on behalf of participants via PATH. Approved requests are automatically shared with BEACON, triggering the issuance of the support and the accompanying BEACON generated letter explaining what the payment is for and how to access it. The status of the request is then updated on PATH to ensure that providers and E&T staff are aware that the payment has been issued. Providers may report possible good cause via PATH. This information is reviewed and addressed by the SNAP case manager who supports the SNAP E&T unit who will update the PATH and BEACON records as appropriate. Currently, information about SNAP Path to Work program enrollment and participation does not transfer to BEACON automatically. DTA SNAP E&T Specialists document SNAP Path to Work participation on BEACON as part of the enrollment approval process as needed. Describe the State agency’s process for monitoring E&T providers’ program and fiscal operations. Include plans for direct monitoring such as visits, as well as indirect monitoring such as reviewing program data, financial invoices, etc. When onboarding, offering a new program under the SNAP Path to Work umbrella, or updating a budget, and each new Federal Fiscal Year, providers are required to submit program descriptions and budgets for each program that they wish to offer. Salary and other cost calculation and/or justifications, federally approved indirect cost rate letters (if above the di minimis rate) may be requested. Programs are reviewed for SNAP E&T suitability and the budgets are closely reviewed to ensure that all costs and funding sources are reasonable, necessary and allowed. PATH system generated claims templates are based on approved budgets and do not allow providers to claim for costs that have not been preapproved. Quarterly claims are reviewed by UMass Chan (first level of review) and DTA (final reviewer) to ensure that they are accurate and align with the number of participants served during the quarter. Providers are required to keep copies of backup documentation and cost calculation sheets, which may be requested by reviewers as part of the claims review process as needed. Back-up documentation is requested for at least one, randomly selected quarter for each organization. UMass Chan hosts quarterly “check-ins” with all providers. DTA SNAP E&T Specialists and UMass Chan Program Coordinators provide ongoing technical assistance and may schedule additional formal check-ins as needed. UMass Chan formally monitors subcontracted SNAP Path to Work providers through annual site visits and fiscal reviews and communicate its findings to DTA. UMass Chan notifies DTA of issues and concerns and identifies best practices. Reviews may be conducted in-person or virtually. DTA SNAP E&T Specialists participate in reviews. The program review includes: • Meeting with SNAP E&T program staff to discuss program services, including discussion about the organization’s: o SNAP Path to Work recruitment/outreach activities o screening and intake processes o methods for tracking participation hours and monitoring progress o participant supports o classroom/virtual operations 1/29/26, 8:19 AM State Plan MA FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-mafy26stateplan//index.html 26/167