Executive Summary & Introduction
This document presents an integrated technical report and patent specification for a novel platform addressing critical vulnerabilities in federal benefits adjudication. Current systems are frequently opaque, reliant on outdated methodologies, and fail to provide adequate security for highly sensitive personal data, including genetic information, in the face of emerging computational threats.
The described invention provides a comprehensive solution by synergistically combining:
- Transparent Predictive Analytics: A robust polygenic risk scoring (PRS) engine that integrates multi-ancestry genomic data and standardized neurocognitive measures to provide objective, statistically rigorous evidence for adjudicators.
- Provable, Quantum-Resistant Security: A novel hybrid cryptographic scheme, Quantum-Resistant Dual-Envelope AEAD (QRDE-AEAD), to protect all claimant data against both classical and future quantum-based attacks.
- Auditable, Open-Source Architecture: A system built on principles of transparency, mandating open-source components, independent third-party audits, and full compliance with modern accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA).
This platform directly remedies the due process and statutory violations (including the APA, ADA, and GINA) inherent in current "black box" algorithmic systems. It establishes a new standard for public-sector technology that is accountable, secure, and equitable by design.
Interactive System Architecture
The system architecture is designed for maximum security and audibility. Data flows through distinct, cryptographically-isolated modules. Click on any component to highlight its connections and learn more about its function.
Claimant Data Intake
EHR, Neuropsych Tests, Genomic Data (via WCAG 2.2 Portal)
Secure Enclave
QRDE-AEAD Encryption, Anonymization & Re-association
PRS Engine
Calculates risk score from anonymized data
Adjudicator Dashboard
Receives risk-flagged, decrypted case file for review
Independent Audit Portal
Access to escrowed code & preserved, anonymized data
Interactive: Polygenic Risk Scoring (PRS)
The Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) provides an objective, quantitative measure of an individual's genetic predisposition for a specific condition. It is not a diagnosis, but a powerful statistical tool for risk stratification.
It is calculated by summing the effect sizes (beta coefficients, or `β`) of thousands of genetic variants (SNPs), with each variant's effect weighted by the number of risk alleles (0, 1, or 2) the individual has.
PRS = Σ (βᵢ × genotypeᵢ)
Use the interactive tool to see how different variants contribute to a total risk score. This demonstrates the "polygenic" nature of the calculation—it is the cumulative effect of many small-effect variants, not a single gene, that determines risk.
PRS Contribution Visualizer
Total Polygenic Risk Score
Interactive: Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
Standard encryption (like RSA and ECC) is vulnerable to attacks from large-scale quantum computers. Given the extreme sensitivity of genomic and health data, protecting it against future threats is a constitutional and ethical necessity.
We implement a hybrid **Quantum-Resistant Dual-Envelope AEAD (QRDE-AEAD)** scheme. This "dual-envelope" approach combines a classical algorithm (ECDH) with a post-quantum algorithm (CRYSTALS-Kyber) to create a shared secret. This ensures data is secure against *both* classical and quantum attackers, today and in the future.
The resulting key is then used with AES-256-GCM (an AEAD) to encrypt the data, providing confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity.
Click "Next Step" to walk through the encryption workflow.
QRDE-AEAD Encryption Workflow
Step 1: PQC Key Encapsulation (KEM)
Generate shared secret `ss₁` using **CRYSTALS-Kyber512**. This produces PQC ciphertext `c₁`.
Step 2: Classical Key Exchange
Generate shared secret `ss₂` using **ECDH (P-256)**. This produces classical public key `pk₂`.
Step 3: Hybrid Key Derivation
Combine secrets `ss₁ || ss₂` and feed into **HKDF-SHA-512** to derive a single, robust 256-bit AEAD key `k`.
Step 4: Authenticated Encryption (AEAD)
Encrypt `Plaintext` with key `k`, nonce `n`, and Associated Data (AD) using **AES-256-GCM**. This yields ciphertext `c₂` and auth tag `t`.
Step 5: Final Encrypted Envelope
Transmit: `c₁ || pk₂ || n || c₂ || t`
Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
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A system for secure and auditable benefits adjudication, the system comprising:
- A secure data intake module configured to receive claimant data, said data including electronic health records and genomic data;
- A post-quantum cryptographic module residing within a secure enclave, configured to:
- generate a hybrid shared secret by combining a first secret from a post-quantum key encapsulation mechanism (PQC KEM) and a second secret from a classical key exchange mechanism (ECDH), and
- encrypt said claimant data using an Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data (AEAD) algorithm keyed by said hybrid shared secret;
- A predictive analytics engine, configured to:
- receive anonymized genomic data from said secure enclave, and
- calculate a polygenic risk score (PRS) for a claimant by summing a plurality of weighted genetic variants;
- An adjudicator dashboard module, configured to:
- receive a decrypted case file from said secure enclave, said case file including said polygenic risk score, and
- present said case file to a human adjudicator for review; and
- An independent audit module, configured to provide a third-party auditor with access to an escrowed codebase for said predictive analytics engine and to preserved, anonymized claimant data.
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A computer-implemented method for processing a benefits claim, the method comprising:
- Receiving, at a secure intake portal, claimant data comprising health records and multi-ancestry genomic data;
- Encrypting said claimant data within a secure enclave using a hybrid cryptographic scheme, said scheme deriving a key from at least one post-quantum algorithm and at least one classical algorithm;
- Transmitting an anonymized version of said genomic data to a predictive analytics engine;
- Calculating, by said predictive analytics engine, a polygenic risk score based on said anonymized genomic data;
- Receiving, at said secure enclave, said polygenic risk score and re-associating it with said claimant data;
- Generating a risk-flagged case file; and
- Transmitting said risk-flagged case file to a human adjudicator for a final determination.
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The system of claim 1, wherein said secure data intake module is further configured to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards.
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The system of claim 1, wherein said post-quantum key encapsulation mechanism is CRYSTALS-Kyber and said classical key exchange mechanism is Elliptic-curve Diffie–Hellman (ECDH).
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The method of claim 2, further comprising: providing a machine-readable notice to said claimant detailing the use of said polygenic risk score in the adjudication process.
Equitable Implementation Plan
Immediate recruitment of 500 specialists (ALJs, neuropsychologists, geneticists) to clear the "invisible-impairment" backlog. Establish a mandatory "Modern Adjudication Academy" for training on due-process, statistical genetics (p-value interpretation), and WCAG 2.2 compliance.
Engage certified experts to deliver WCAG 2.2 AA compliant public and internal portals. Deploy the QRDE-AEAD (Quantum-Resistant Dual-Envelope) pilot to protect all sensitive health and genomic data. This pilot merges CRYSTALS-Kyber512 with classical ECDH and AES-GCM, establishing a new national model for quantum-resilient data security.
Appoint a Technical Special Master under Rule 53 to supervise implementation, approve all major contracts, enforce quarterly performance benchmarks (backlog reduction, WCAG certification, QRDE-AEAD readiness), and file transparent status reports with the Court and Congress.