Manitoba Health and the non-profit organization Manitoba Blue Cross are working together to develop a new, state-of-the-art medical claims processing system that will support better service to health-care providers and Manitobans while saving money. This announcement was made by Health Minister Theresa Oswald and Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak.
“The province’s current medical claims computer system first implemented in 1975 needs to be updated to provide better services and Manitoba Blue Cross has also been looking at options to upgrade their older claims processing technology,” said Oswald. “Sharing the costs of development and implementation means a lower total cost for the project while ensuring we get a modern system that meets our needs now and in the future.”
“This project will benefit both Manitoba Blue Cross and the government, and will help modernize claims processing and service delivery to Manitobans,” said Andrew Yorke, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Blue Cross. “With roots dating back to 1938, Manitoba Blue Cross already provides health coverage of some kind to one in three Manitobans, so we take personal data very seriously. Our security and privacy practices are already best in class and as part of this joint initiative, we are required to add even more security measures.”
Manitoba Blue Cross will build and own the system and provide system services to the province, while Manitoba Health will lead policy development for medical claims and continue to process all medicare claims in-house with provincial employees. The new system will allow faster processing by using technology to deal with claims electronically while maintaining the security of provincial data, Chomiak said.
“It’s important to have the right tools in place to provide Manitobans with high-quality services,” said Chomiak. “We’re pleased to work with Manitoba Blue Cross to develop this innovative system.”
The ministers noted moving from older systems to new technology will ensure both government and Manitoba Blue Cross are able to better support clients and provide more efficient services.
“Sharing this work will allow both Manitoba Health and Manitoba Blue Cross to save money while implementing new technology,” said Oswald. “This new system is expected to save an estimated $3 million over the life of the project while allowing us to remain flexible and better meet the needs of Manitobans and health-care providers.”
The minister also noted the project is just one of the strategic initiatives outlined in the province’s plan to sustain the universal health-care system, by ensuring the best possible value is received for the funding invested in health care.
The new system is expected to be complete and operational by late 2013, she added.
