The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has set guidelines for federal funding of Medicaid healthcare information technology initiatives, according to a letter written by CMS.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act gives states 100 percent federal financial participation for incentive payments to Medicaid providers who adopt and implement meaningful use of electronic health records. In addition, 90 percent of state administrative costs will be matched by ARRA.
In a letter to state Medicaid directors, CMS lists three requirements states must fulfill in order to qualify for the 90 percent FFP administrative match:
• Administration of Medicaid incentive payments to Medicaid EPs and eligible hospitals;
• Oversight of the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, including routine tracking of meaningful use attestations and reporting mechanisms' and
• Pursuit of initiatives that encourage the adoption of certified EHR technology for the promotion of healthcare quality and the electronic exchange of health information.
Read the CMS letter about the new guidelines (pdf).
Read other coverage on healthcare information technology:
- Government Panel Rules Health Information Exchanges Must Have Patient Consent
- Three Things to Know About the Future of Medical Faxing
- California Launches Nation's Largest Telehealth Network to Better Connect Healthcare Providers
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act gives states 100 percent federal financial participation for incentive payments to Medicaid providers who adopt and implement meaningful use of electronic health records. In addition, 90 percent of state administrative costs will be matched by ARRA.
In a letter to state Medicaid directors, CMS lists three requirements states must fulfill in order to qualify for the 90 percent FFP administrative match:
• Administration of Medicaid incentive payments to Medicaid EPs and eligible hospitals;
• Oversight of the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, including routine tracking of meaningful use attestations and reporting mechanisms' and
• Pursuit of initiatives that encourage the adoption of certified EHR technology for the promotion of healthcare quality and the electronic exchange of health information.
Read the CMS letter about the new guidelines (pdf).
Read other coverage on healthcare information technology:
- Government Panel Rules Health Information Exchanges Must Have Patient Consent
- Three Things to Know About the Future of Medical Faxing
- California Launches Nation's Largest Telehealth Network to Better Connect Healthcare Providers