CMS Posts Fact Sheet on Health Information Technology Incentive Payments - 6/22/09

CMS has posted a fact sheet on its proposed schedule for implementing the Medicaid and Medicare health information technology (HIT) incentive payments authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  As identified in HHS’ May 15 economic recovery implementation plan, CMS plans to begin Medicare payments in October 2010 and to begin Medicaid payments no earlier than January 1, 2011, despite the fact that ARRA permits CMS to begin making these payments earlier. CMS explained this timing by noting the importance of coordination between Medicare and Medicaid, as well as a belief that states will need time for a range of regulatory and planning activities prior to implementing the Medicaid payment program.