Pharmacy News Article

Molina Healthcare, Inc. has announced that the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) implemented in Idaho by its subsidiary, Molina Medicaid Solutions, has received full federal certification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

According to the Company, the certification follows a week of rigorous on-site testing of the system, as well as a subsequent evaluation by CMS. As a result of the CMS certification, the state of Idaho is entitled to receive federal reimbursement of 75 percent of its MMIS operations costs retroactive to June 1, 2010, the date that the system first began processing claims.

"Federal certification is a significant milestone because it allows the state of Idaho to access maximum federal funding for its Medicaid claims processing system," said Norm Nichols, president of Molina Medicaid Solutions. "We are gratified by the achievement of this milestone and will continue to work closely with Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare and the Idaho health care community to serve the state's Medicaid recipients."

The claims payment system serves over 230,000 participants and handles more than 140,000 claims per week. Molina noted that the federal government required the system upgrade, with conversion to the Company's system occurring in June 2010.

"Molina Healthcare has been an excellent partner with our claims processing system," says Richard Armstrong, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. "When problems arose, Molina brought in the necessary resources and worked closely with us to correct the issues. Idaho can be proud of the high-performing system we have today."

The Company reported that the initial conversion encountered issues during the first months of operation; however, because of the combined efforts of Molina and state staff, significant progress has been realized. "The system is now performing beyond expectations in some areas, while continuing to show improvement in others," according to DHW Director Armstrong.

Federal certification increases the share of the claims processing costs the federal government will pay for monthly operations. With an uncertified system, Molina said that the federal government contributes approximately 50 percent of claims processing costs, with the state paying the other half. With a certified system, the federal government pays 75 percent of costs, reducing the state's share.

Molina Healthcare provides Medicaid-related solutions to meet the health care needs of low-income families and individuals and to assist state agencies in their administration of the Medicaid program.

More Information:

www.molinahealthcare.com

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