Maximus inks $418 million Calif. health services deal

Maximus Inc. has signed a $418.4 million contract with the California Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board to provide services and support to two key health services programs, the company announced July 25.

The five-year contract includes two additional one-year extensions. The contract has been under negotiation since April when the state announced its intent to award the contract to Maximus.

Under the contract, Maximus of Reston, Va., will serve, receive and process applications for both the California Healthy Families program and the Access for Infants and Mothers program. In addition, the company will screen applications for potential Medi-Cal eligibility.

This program will affect more than 700,000 children and families, Maximus said. Numerous innovations will be part of the project, including the development of a new eligibility determination program, according to the company.

The Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board was established in 1990 with a broad mandate to advise the governor of California and the state legislature on strategies for reducing the number of uninsured persons in the state. The board comprises volunteer members appointed by the governor and the legislature that serve four-year terms. The board is dedicated to improving the health of Californians by increasing access to affordable, comprehensive and quality health care.

Maximus provides program management, consulting and information technology services to state and local government. The company has more than 5,500 employees and annual sales of $518.7 million.