The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has inked a $179 million, seven-year contract with Unisys. The Blue Bell, Pa-based technology company will provide a new Medicaid Management Information System to manage Maine's Medicaid program.

Unisys will design, develop, implement and operate the MMIS and assist the state in managing the Medicaid program, known as MaineCare.

The new MMIS is designed to meet Maine's current program needs and will allow for flexibility and the ability to adjust to any redesign within the MaineCare program as needed or required by federal law. It will also provide a connection to Maine's eligibility system.

 "We look forward to working with Unisys to implement a proven and successful innovative system and fiscal agent services to support the management and evolution of MaineCare," said Brenda Harvey, commissioner of the Maine DHHS. "This new MMIS will serve as our platform for attaining the state's vision for healthcare excellence."

Unisys will also assume responsibility for many claims and customer service functions and provide systems to help administer healthcare management. Additionally Unisys will provide hardware and software hosting, information management and data warehousing.