MMIS FAQs

1. Why are we replacing the current Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)?
   The DHS MMIS contains 30-year-old technology that is extremely out-of-date, and in need of replacement. The system cannot handle the state's current needs of processing payments to approximately 31,000 health care providers and tracking the medical eligibility of about 600,000 Oregonians.
   
   The legacy system was designed to handle about 260,000 claims per month; it is now processing over 2 million claims monthly. Because the system is so overworked, it has become difficult to maintain and is incapable of being expanded to meet future needs.
   
   
2. How is the department approaching this project?
   The department has established a MMIS Project Replacement Team, composed of professionals from across the organization. The project is overseen and governed by an Executive Steering Committee. The executive co-sponsors of this project are:
   
   • Deputy Director of DHS, Clyde Saiki
   • Assistant Administrator of OMAP, Lynn Read
   • Deputy Assistant Director of Seniors and People with Disabilities, Cathy Cooper
     
     
3. Are we using an outside vendor to help us?
   Yes, the department is using the services from Electronic Data Systems (EDS). It was determined that the most cost-effective solution for Oregon's Medicaid operation would be to have the system put in place by a company that has a proven track record in successfully designing and implementing Medicaid Management Information Systems in other states. As of July 2007, EDS has managed 22 implementations.
   
   
4. When will the new MMIS be implemented?
   The new system began operating Dec. 9, 2008.
    
   
5. Where can I find more information about the project?
   You can learn more about the project by going to the main MMIS Project page at http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/mmis/, or by asking your manager.
    
   
6. How will this new system help Medicaid providers?
   The new system will make it easier for providers to determine eligibility, receive service authorizations, submit claims and receive payments.
    
   
7. How will these new changes be communicated to providers?
   The project team has developed a provider communications plan. Providers will get information about the MMIS project in the same way they currently get their Oregon Medicaid information. They can also find information at the Provider Resources Web site.
    
   
8. How will this new system help Medicaid clients?
   Initially, it will offer Web access to up-to-date information about physicians and other medical providers. Although many Medicaid clients do not use the Internet, many have advocates, home-care providers or family members who can access the Web-based information and provide it to the client.
    
   Additionally, because the new system will vastly improve the administration of Medicaid, it will result in operating efficiencies that should produce considerable cost savings for the program. These cost savings can be put back into the programs, providing greater benefit to our clients.