Appendix G NASS Comments and Responses

APPENDIX G

NASS COMMENTS AND RESPONSES

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Supporting Statement Part A

Nothing found to note a Comment.

Supporting Statement Part B

1. Table B.1.3. is a great table. Perhaps including the universe counts would provide a complete picture of what the study is doing.

The respondent universe appears in Table B.1.1. The tables are separate to ensure readability.

2. The concept of central matching was unclear. A more clear explanation might be useful.

In demonstration States using central matching, Medicaid income data and student records are matched in a central database by the State agency using data shared between the State agencies administering Medicaid and school meals programs. In demonstration States not using central matching, the matches are done at the SFA-level. Most States in Year 2 will be using central matching.

3. Why are only 15 states being selected? Are these programs not in other states?

The demonstration was awarded based on a competitive RFA process. States were chosen based on applications in which they demonstrated that they could successfully comply with all requirements and carry out the demonstration project, including providing all necessary data for the required evaluation. Direct certification with Medicaid data is currently only carried out through demonstration projects, including the original DCM demonstrations and the current DCM-F/RP demonstrations, which will be evaluated in Year 2 with this information collection.

4. How were the seven 2016-2017 states chosen first?

The Cohort 1 (SY 2016-17) States were chosen in the first round of the competitive RFA process from the pool of States that applied. A subsequent competitive RFA process was used to select Cohort 2 (SY 2017-18) States.

5. How will the on-site interview and telephone interview staff be trained to ensure they are qualified interviewers?

Before data collection begins, liaisons from the evaluation team will attend a half-day training webinar. The webinar will provide background on the demonstration and detailed instruction in how to collect the different types of data described above.