12/29/2014

LANSING, Mich. and ATLANTA – The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) and LexisNexis® Risk Solutions today announced an online identity verification and authentication pilot for residents using the MI Bridges web portal to apply for public benefits in Michigan. This pilot aims to help prevent identity-based fraud, waste and abuse and to create streamlined processes for benefit determination by confirming the identity of clients at the time they are applying for benefits.

“We must be ever vigilant when it comes to fighting fraud and that means staying ahead of those trying to beat the system,” said Maura Corrigan, DHS director. “By working with LexisNexis to incorporate identity-proofing solutions into our systems, we will not only continue to fight fraud, we also make sure that benefits are going to those truly in need.”

In October 2013, Michigan received $1.3 million as one of two states awarded funding by the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) National Program Office at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to pilot an online identity management solution for accessing government services. Michigan’s pilot focuses on mitigating risks for DHS and for Michigan citizens associated with the MI Bridges online application. 

Michigan DHS will pilot the identity-proofing solution in the MI Bridges online application through the end of the 2015 fiscal year. DHS is hopeful that at the conclusion of the pilot period the identity-proofing solution will become a permanent component of the MI Bridges application.

The implementation of this system is a continuation of DHS’s strong record of enhancing program efficiencies and program integrity and in fighting fraud by using the most up-to-date tools available. This year DHS saved taxpayers more than $126 million as a result of efforts to prevent and investigate fraud.

“This approach helps Michigan DHS safeguard taxpayer dollars by helping to ensure that benefits are going to actual citizens who are in need of assistance,” said Monty Faidley, director, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. “We applaud the state of Michigan’s work in both protecting the identities of legitimate citizens seeking assistance and in fighting fraud, waste and abuse. We are confident our solutions will help them in meeting these goals.”   

The identity verification is a multi-factor authentication (MFA) process. The first process is verification, which is done based on head-of-household details provided by the client. The second process is Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA), which is done through a LexisNexis-generated questionnaire based on personal information that only the head-of-household (person applying for benefits) would be able to answer.

Based on years of identity management industry experience, LexisNexis’ MFA process will determine if the individual is known to LexisNexis whereas the KBA provides a second layer of identity-proofing and assurance that the applicant is who they claim to be.

For more information on DHS, please visit www.michigan.gov/dhs.

About LexisNexis Risk Solutions
LexisNexis^® Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data, sophisticated analytics platforms and technology solutions to provide insights that help businesses across multiple industries and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (LSE: REL/NYSE: RELX), a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit LexisNexis Risk Solutions and RELX.