When does innovation happen? It happens when a non-obvious trend converges with a business need. Cross-state collaboration overall may not be a new concept. However, in the Medicaid Health IT space, it certainly is an innovative approach. And being recognized for spearheading a transformative partnership in the industry is CNSI’s client, the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB).

Earlier this week, the two departments were recognized by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) with the Cross-Boundary Collaboration and Partnership Award for their efforts in launching the nation’s first completely automated real-time and cloud-enabled Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). The Award acknowledges that the Medicaid-as-a-Service model is an innovative example of how collaboration can create partnerships in order to better serve our communities and save taxpayer dollars—the significance of which cannot be understated.   

The journey actually began in 2013 when Michigan’s Community Health Automated Medicaid Processing System (CHAMPS) and the State of Illinois announced a joint effort to build a cloud-based MMIS using shared infrastructure. This video, created by the Michigan DHHS and DTMB, illustrates this revolution by way of evolution. 

The NASCIO Award was great validation. But it is easy to see that through the Medicaid-as-a-Service model collaboration is at the heart of innovation in Michigan. We are proud supporter of the State’s efforts, and together we look forward to a future where these multi-agency partnerships make lasting impacts on the lives of its citizens.