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DHHS is working hard to plan for and provide support for counties in meeting these challenges. Some of these efforts include: • Strengthened support provided by the NC FAST Help Desk with the addition of seasoned, knowledgeable Over- the - Shoulder - Support staff. Commitment to the resolution of all backlogged NC FAST Help Desk tickets by December 31, 2013. • Closer alignment between. the Work Support Strategies and NC FAST teams to share best practices to help counties prepare for and meet the challenges of processing applications and re-certfications using MAGI eligibility rules required by the Affordable Care Act. • Reorganization and consolidation of technical assistance and consultation for all means - tested public assistance programs administered through local departments of social services, with an emphasis on Medicaid during the coming months. • DHHS leadership will continue its efforts to counties with the opportunity to receive 75% federal reimbursement for allowable Medicaid activities. Currently, the DHHS Controller's Office is working with five counties to identify allowable cost in order to establish reporting procedures. We are optimistic that this reimbursement increase from 50% to 75% will begin in early 2014. This increased reimbursement will make available additional funds budgeted for SFY 2013 -14, which may be invested in continuing best practices to ensure a successful transition to NC FAST. Lastly, we have a new addition to the NC FAST leadership team, Angie Taylor has joined the team as Deputy Director and will work along side Anthony Vellucci to manage the overall implementation strategy. Angie brings strong project management skills as well as vast program knowledge. She has successfully led many large IT initiatives for DHHS in the past. As Project Director, Anthony Vellucci's time will be spent more on overall program goveniance and technology related matters while Angie Taylor will work closely with the business team and support county implementation and communications. Clearly, by implementing the above strategies, it is our deepest desire to continue to enhance state support leading to a successful complete implementation of NC FAST. With that being said, we strongly encourage counties to continue to pursue several key success factors including: 1. investing in temporary staff and over time authorization for staff to help meet the increased workload detailed above over the next several months. Attachment number 1 E -1 Page 36