The Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner, Michael J. Astrue, has developed an Open Government Initiative to increase transparency, participation and collaboration in his federal agency. The program is part of broader initiative within the federal government to increase openness in the programs and operations of the various federal agencies. This effort to improve transparency started after President Barack Obama was elected to office.
To meet the goal of increasing transparency the SSA has released many datasets that provide insight into the overall management and organizational structure of the agency. Since the introduction of the initiative the SSA has also issued many press releases, public service announcements and webinars to keep the public informed of what is happening within the agency and provide information regarding any changes.
In order to improve participation the SSA has increased online services in both English and Spanish. The SSA has also improved feedback tools and encourages the public to submit ideas. When the SSA was expanding the Compassionate Allowance List public hearings were held to gather information.
In an effort to the improve collaboration, the SSA has developed several partnerships with governmental and nongovernmental agencies. The SSA has started a partnership with one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, Kaiser Permanente, to allow electronic transmission of medical records. This will help increase efficiency in processing disability claims. The SSA has established a similar program with the Department of Defense.
For more information check out the recently updated Social Security Administration’s Open Government Plan 2.0.
