[MMA News Now, Aug. 16, 2012] Eligible professionals and hospitals can now register with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) indicating their plans to participate in the Minnesota Medicaid EHR Provider Incentive Program. Early registration will help your practice avoid payment delays. The Department of Human Services anticipates distribution of the first incentive payments in late November.

Beginning Oct. 18, eligible providers and hospitals will enroll in the Minnesota EHR Incentive Program and begin the confirmation process.

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), CMS is authorized to make incentive payments to eligible professionals and hospitals demonstrating meaningful use of certified EHR technology.

In the Medicaid program, professionals and hospitals may qualify for incentive payments if they adopt, implement or upgrade certified electronic health record technology in their first year of participation; demonstration of meaningful use is required in subsequent years of the program.

Recommended actions for preparation include:
• Sign up for the Minnesota EHR Incentives Program (MEIP) e-list and watch for updates 
• Register on the CMS EHR Registration website
• Update group affiliations with MHCP Provider Enrollment (EPs planning to attest using a group Medicaid Patient Volume)