WORCESTER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The State of Michigan has awarded UMass Medical Schools Center for Health Care Financing (CHCF) a contract to assist with cost control of Michigans Medicaid program by helping the state maximize access to federal Medicare benefits for eligible residents.

As part of its three-year, $3 million agreement with the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Centers work will include:

The Michigan Department of Community Health selected CHCF from several competitive bidders because it is part of UMass Medical Schools Commonwealth Medicine division, which focuses on improving the financing of public health care programs. CHCFs unique expertise in the areas of third-party liability, program integrity and federal benefit eligibility determination helps states ensure that Medicaid is the appropriate payer of health services.

In 2009, research conducted by the Center identified that the Social Security Administration was incorrectly denying thousands of people federal benefits to which they were entitled. This work resulted in more than $250 million in credits to states throughout the country, including nearly $9 million in Medicare premium credits returned to Michigan.

The Affordable Care Act calls for Medicaid to serve as the cornerstone for expanding access to health insurance for millions of uninsured Americans. As states prepare for the full implementation of health care reform in 2014, efforts to manage state health care costs have taken on even greater importance.

About the University of Massachusetts Medical School

The University of Massachusetts Medical School, one of the fastest-growing academic health sciences centers in the country, has built a reputation as a world-class research institution, consistently producing noteworthy advances in clinical and basic research. The Medical School attracts more than $255 million in research funding annually. The mission of the Medical School is to advance the health and well-being of the people of Massachusetts and the world, through pioneering education, research, public service and health care delivery. Commonwealth Medicine, the Medical Schools health care consulting and operations division, provides a wide range of care management and consulting services to government agencies and health care organizations. For more information, visit commed.umassmed.edu.

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Michigan Awards Contract to UMass Medical School to Ensure Residents Receive Appropriate Federal Benefits