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PA Department of Public Welfare's MAPIR Solution Earns Second Award

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare has earned another award for developing the Medical Assistance Provider Incentive Repository, or MAPIR application, an IT initiative that is now being adopted by other states, Secretary Gary D. Alexander said today.

"To truly achieve fiscal integrity, we must look at every facet of what we do to realize cost-savings," said Alexander. "Department staff recognized an opportunity to develop a program that would reduce taxpayer spending by using technology and innovation, resulting in their efforts being twice recognized on a national level."

MAPIR was developed to help states work together to effectively assist their providers in applying for electronic health record incentive payments. Such payments enable providers to adopt certified health information technology, including the transition from paper to electronic medical records.

DPW staff originated the concept of a multi-state collaboration to address the nationwide effort to modernize the health care system through technology. A team from the department's Office of Medical Assistance Programs oversaw MAPIR's successful implementation, ensuring that the product met the desired need and remained financially sound.

States can now obtain the MAPIR system and run it on their own at a minimal cost. Participating states include Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

IT Solutions Management for Human Services recognized the department with the Collaboration Across Boundaries award at its 45^th annual conference on Aug. 26. In February, HP Enterprise Services, which developed the MAPIR product at the department's request, accepted the Annual Public-Private Partnership Award at the National Governor's Association Annual meeting.

For more information about the Department of Public Welfare, visit the department's website at www.dpw.state.pa.us. Pennsylvanians who suspect welfare fraud should call 1-800-932-0582.

Media contact: Carey Miller or Anne Bale, 717-425-7606

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare