Integrating Social Services IT Brings Benefits, Risks

Anthony Brino | Government Health IT | June 12, 2013

Whether or not they’re expanding coverage eligibility under the Affordable Care Act, state Medicaid programs are subject to a fair amount of financial and policy flux these days.

But one area that can offer some control and the opportunity to improve the program’s efficiency is Medicaid IT, especially if Medicaid agencies and state technology leaders consolidate systems for social service programs.

Although a recent survey found Medicaid IT systems mostly ready to go for new program changes and possible ACA expansion next year, that should be a baseline, said Chad Grant, a senior policy analyst at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO).