Purpose

This act provides a one-time funding appropriation to the Department of Human Services (DHS) from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 to upgrade and modernize two key information systems: MAXIS (a public assistance case management system) and the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). The goal is to develop and implement modernization plans or replacements that improve how these systems support public assistance casework and health care claims processing.

Main Provisions

• MAXIS modernization funding
  • A one-time general fund appropriation in FY2026 to DHS for information technology improvements to MAXIS.
  • The improvements must be used to develop and implement a modernization plan or replacement for MAXIS.
  • Planning must be collaborative and include counties and Tribal Nations that use MAXIS.
  • The project must have a direct impact on public assistance casework.
  • Funds may not be used for changes to MAXIS that are not part of the modernization plan or for other DHS IT systems.
• MMIS modernization funding
  • A one-time general fund appropriation in FY2026 to DHS for information technology improvements to MMIS.
  • The improvements must be used to develop and implement a modernization plan or replacement for MMIS.
  • Planning must be collaborative and include counties, Tribal Nations, and health plans that use MMIS.
  • The project must have a direct impact on health care claims and capitation payment processing.
  • Funds may not be used for changes to MMIS that are not part of the modernization plan or for other DHS IT systems.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes a one-time, targeted funding mechanism specifically for modernizing MAXIS and MMIS rather than broad, ongoing IT funding.
• Adds requirements for collaborative planning with counties, Tribal Nations, and (for MMIS) health plans that use MMIS.
• Ties the use of the funds to a defined modernization plan or replacement, restricting use to projects within those plans and prohibiting changes outside the plan or to other DHS IT systems.

Implementation and Timing

• Effective for fiscal year 2026 (on a one-time basis).
• General fund appropriations are designated to DHS for the described modernization efforts, with restrictions to ensure focus on the modernization plans and single-system scope.

Relevant Terms MAXIS MMIS Medicaid Management Information System public assistance casework health care claims capitation payment processing modernization plan modernization or replacement collaborative planning counties Tribal Nations health plans one-time appropriation general fund Department of Human Services information technology improvements