Unlocking Access to Public Benefits: How Omnichannel Communication Bridges the Awareness Gap

Improving outreach and streamlining communication

Lane Reeder | Wednesday, Dec 18th 2024
Plant sprouting up through a crack in the ground

Accessing public benefits can be a lifeline for individuals and families in need, improving their quality of life and helping them down a path toward long-term stability; however, many eligible clients remain unaware of the benefits available to them or face barriers in accessing these resources. According to a report from Advancing States, millions of people who qualify for programs such as Medicare Low-Income Subsidies (LIS) never enroll, missing out on vital support due to lack of awareness, complex processes, or communication breakdowns.

Overcoming these challenges is critical to ensuring equitable service delivery for Health and Human Services (HHS) agencies. One way to address this is by leveraging Customer Communication Management (CCM) platforms with omnichannel communication capabilities. Omnichannel CCM platforms enable agencies to improve outreach, streamline communication, and increase awareness of available programs, ensuring no eligible client is left behind.

The Role of CCM in Bridging Gaps Across Programs

Cross-programmatic use of CCM solutions like Quadient Inspire Evolve offers significant advantages to HHS agencies, caseworkers, and the clients they serve. By centralizing and standardizing communications across multiple programs, CCM platforms help agencies:

  • Streamline processes: Reduce redundancy by consolidating messaging, documents, and updates into one unified system.
  • Enhance collaboration: Improve information sharing between caseworkers and departments.
  • Boost efficiency: Automate routine communication tasks, freeing up staff for more critical activities.
  • Increase client engagement: Deliver personalized, timely messages tailored to clients’ needs and preferences.

However, the true game-changer lies in the omnichannel communication capabilities offered by advanced CCM platforms. These omnichannel communication design, delivery, and tracking capabilities provide a seamless experience for clients, reaching them through their preferred channels—whether that’s email, text, mobile app, print, or a combination.

How Omnichannel Communications Drive Awareness

Omnichannel communications don’t just enhance convenience; they also serve as a powerful tool for increasing clients’ awareness of the benefits they’re eligible to receive. Here’s how:

Personalized Outreach Across Programs

By using centralized data, CCM solutions enable agencies to tailor communications based on a client’s specific needs and circumstances. For example, a client receiving SNAP benefits might also be eligible for utility assistance or health subsidies. A CCM platform can identify these overlaps and send personalized notifications that inform them of additional resources.

Proactive Engagement at Every Touchpoint

Proactive communication ensures that clients are informed at every stage of the eligibility and enrollment process. Whether it’s sending reminders about deadlines, sharing updates on program availability, or providing guidance on the application process, omnichannel communications ensure no detail is missed for consistent client outreach and engagement. 

Simplified Communication for Hard-to-Reach Populations

Many eligible clients are part of hard-to-reach populations, such as seniors without internet access, individuals with limited literacy, or those in rural areas. Omnichannel solutions bridge these gaps by allowing agencies to send printed letters to those without digital access while offering mobile-friendly options for tech-savvy users. This ensures inclusivity and equity.

Improved Trust Through Transparent Communication

Transparent and timely messaging builds trust between clients and agencies. With omnichannel communication capabilities, clients can easily track the status of their applications, receive real-time updates, and provide necessary information without delays. This transparency reduces frustration and increases client confidence in the system.

Educational Campaigns to Increase Awareness

CCM platforms can also support broad educational campaigns to inform the public about available benefits. By targeting specific demographics and delivering consistent messaging via multiple channels, agencies can ensure that no eligible individual slips through the cracks.

The Bigger Picture: Operational Efficiency and Equity

When HHS agencies adopt cross-programmatic use of omnichannel CCM platforms, the benefits extend far beyond individual clients. From an operational perspective, these solutions reduce administrative burden, streamline workflows, and enhance compliance with regulatory requirements. Caseworkers spend less time chasing paperwork and answering repetitive questions, allowing them to focus on delivering meaningful support.

Omnichannel communication also promotes equity by ensuring all clients, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the information and resources they need. By addressing barriers such as language differences, limited internet access, or geographic isolation, agencies can close gaps in service delivery and provide an equal opportunity for all clients to thrive.

Innovation Solutions for Greater Equity & Inclusion

The challenges surrounding client awareness and access to public benefits require innovative solutions. By adopting CCM platforms with omnichannel communication capabilities, HHS agencies can overcome these hurdles and ensure that clients receive the support they need to achieve stability and improve their quality of life. 

Quadient Inspire Evolve is a powerful CCM solution for addressing these needs, offering a streamlined approach to communication that benefits clients, caseworkers, and agencies. As the demand for more efficient, equitable service delivery grows, solutions like Inspire Evolve will be essential for agencies striving to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

The Quadient Difference: Inspire Evolve

Quadient Inspire Evolve stands out as a CCM solution tailored to meet the communication challenges faced by HHS agencies. With its robust omnichannel communication capabilities, Inspire Evolve empowers agencies to deliver personalized, proactive outreach across programs while maintaining operational efficiency. 

The solution's easy-to-use interface allows agencies to create consistent messaging and automate communication tasks, ensuring timely delivery and reducing manual workload. By aligning with emerging trends in HHS technology, Inspire Evolve positions agencies to address current challenges and prepare for the future. Whether it’s increasing awareness of available benefits, streamlining service delivery, or ensuring compliance, Inspire Evolve provides the capabilities necessary for transformative impact.