DMAS Shares Tech Plan

VHCA (4/11/08)

In a meeting with VHCA members yesterday, the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) shared their plan to utilize technology-based enhancements to address two long-standing sources of frustration for nursing facility providers.  Senior DMAS staff outlined their desire to move to an electronic DMAS-122 (formerly and more generally referred to as the MAP-122) process within the next twelve months.  The completion, modification and communication of the MAP-122 form represent critical links in the overall process of Medicaid beneficiary eligibility and patient pay determination.  Historically, delays in obtaining updated MAP-122s are often tied to delays in Medicaid billing and claims processing and also play a key role in negative findings associated with Medicaid Patient Fund Account (PFA) audits.

Other than a general announcement that the MAP-122 will move to an electronic format, no specific details exist at this point.  DMAS is working with their contractor, First Health Services Corporation, to develop a work plan.  Over the next several months, VHCA will work with DMAS to identify issues that must be addressed within the Department’s initiative to move toward an electronic MAP-122.

In addition to the MAP-122 news, DMAS also confirmed that they intend to automate the existing Medicaid level adjustment process.  While no specific timeframe was provided, the discussions with DMAS staff suggest that this initiative should also be underway within the next year.

The DMAS announcement signals a continuation of the recent trend to adopt information technology solutions to address and resolve long-standing information workflow issues between the Department and providers.  VHCA will continue to monitor these new initiatives and keep members informed about how and when the changes will impact them.