Officials set up temporary center to solve Benefind issues

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – State officials have created a “tactical operations center” meant to improve the flow of aid to Kentuckians in need.

The Courier-Journal reports (http://cjky.it/1WuCokH) that on February 29, the state launched the computer system, “Benefind.” The system was meant to be a one-stop shop for public benefits, but instead caused a massive disruption. Thousands of letters went out in error telling people their benefits had been canceled.

To resolve these problems, the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services established a temporary center in Frankfort where nearly 100 state workers work eight hours a day to speed up the claims system.

Brandon Carlson, a retired Army major now employed by the cabinet as project manager, says he modeled the center after tactical operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Health advocates say they’re beginning to see some improvements with access to benefits.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.