NCTracks, the claims payment system implemented by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, has earned certification by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The certification of this claims system, which fumbled at its launch on July 1, 2013, means the federal government will now bear more of the cost of its operation resulting in about $19 million additional federal funding for the state.
NCTracks meets the federal government’s requirements for accurate and timely payment of claims for medical services submitted by health care providers, according to CMS, which will now cover 75 percent of NCTracks’ annual operating costs, instead of the 50 percent it has covered since the system went live.
“We are thrilled with this news,” said DHHS Secretary Aldona Wos, MD in a press release. “This accomplishment represents tremendous dedication and commitment on the part of our team. We are also grateful for the North Carolina providers and the provider associations who have partnered with us during this roll-out.”
The department contracted with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) in 2008 to design and develop this claims payment system. When it launched on July 1, 2013, the system was plagued by problems, which meant many doctors were not being paid. The North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) helped hundreds of our members resolve their claims issues with NCTracks, and continues to work to improve the system for members.
“This is certainly good news for the Medicaid budget and NCTracks,” said NCMS CEO Robert W. Seligson. “We hope that the system has turned the corner and the worst is over for our members.”
North Carolina Medicaid covers 1.9 million North Carolinians at an annual cost of $13 billion in combined state and federal funds.