Under Medicaid who is eligible to receive incentive payments and what is the timeline for payments?
Generally, the Medicaid program offers up to $64,000 to providers who see more than 30% of patients paying with Medicaid, (20% for pediatricians). Beginning in 2011, the Medicaid incentive payment will be based on a calculation that includes the provider’s Medicaid mix and qualifying IT related expenses. Payments could amount up to $25,000 the initial year and $10,000 each subsequent year for a total period of five years. The eligible professional under Medicaid must first demonstrate certified EHR usage by 2015 to be eligible for payments and after 2021 will not be eligible for payments. Pediatricians, who only meet the lower threshold of 20% Medicaid patients, would be eligible for 66% or the payments described above. The current bill also provides a cap for total payments under the Medicaid Plan. Once the funds have been depleted, payments will no longer be available under the Medicaid plan.
