Minn. Bill Seeks Health Software After Failed Try
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A Minnesota lawmaker wants to restart the quest for software to streamline applications for health and welfare programs after a failed project that cost at least $41 million.
A bill before a Senate health panel Friday would direct the Minnesota Department of Human Services to find a contractor to develop software that would match applicants for health care, welfare and food stamps with the appropriate programs.
The bill from Republican Sen. Michelle Benson would require the agency to sign a contract by October.
It doesn't say where the money would come from.
Three years ago, the department canceled a long-running software project called HealthMatch after multiple problems. On Wednesday, the agency said it will pay $7.25 million to settle a lawsuit with the software developer it fired.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
