Blazing Better Trails

Start with Outcomes. Design for People.
Build for Change. Deliver What Matters.
Minnesota Department of Human ServicesMESC 2026 · Portland, OR
TODAY
Hundreds of systems
Silos create complexity and confusion.
Program-centered technology
Built for programs, not people.
Long projects, delayed value
Years to deliver impact.
Paper-based procurement promises
Compliance over capability.
Staff work around the system
Manual workarounds slow everyone down.
Fragmented data and duplicated effort
Hard to share, hard to trust.
Modernization as replacement
Rip and replace is risky and slow.
POTENTIAL TOMORROW
Hundreds of services and benefits delivering outcomes
Integrated around the needs that matter.
People- and outcomes-centered delivery
Designed around whole-person outcomes.
Small experiments, faster learning
Iterate, learn, and adapt quickly.
Demonstrated capability through execution
Proven in practice, not just on paper.
Systems support staff and participants
Tools that make the right way the easy way.
Reusable services and shared capabilities
Share once, use many times.
Modernization as continuous improvement
Evolve, improve, and build momentum.
System Layers
A layered product model for connected, secure, and scalable service delivery.
Experience Layer
Web, mobile, portals, and diverse channels.
Product / Prototype Layer
Prototypes, features, and services.
Business Workflow Layer
Policies, rules, case management, and processes.
Interoperability & API Layer
APIs, integration, and event exchange.
Data Layer
Shared data, master data, and analytics.
Infrastructure / Security Layer
Cloud, hosting, network, and security.
What we're exploring today
Prototype Teams
Imagine an enterprise architecture structured to support rapid experimentation.
A Practical Path Forward
Clear Vision
Start Small
Empower Team
Innovate
Mobilize / Procure
Scale What Works
The Applicant Trail · 8 Stops
Find Application
Create Account
Complete Application
Gather Documents
Respond To Requests
Await Decision
Select Plan
Use Coverage
Scan to Play
Can you navigate the Medicaid application process? Play our simulation, then share your feedback to help us improve it.
Can you reach coverage? Play now, then help us make the trail better.
mesc.mn-dhs.online
Join the Trail
Customer experience engagement through prototyping
PLAY
See how far you get.
SHARE
Tell us what could improve your experience.
WATCH US BUILD
See your feedback implemented live.
REPLAY
Try the improved version.