Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Block Lifted On Cuts To Montana Medicaid Providers

Medicaid logo.

A group of state lawmakers on Thursday lifted a block on cuts to how much Montana pays doctors and other health professionals who serve Medicaid patients.

In November all but one member of the Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Interim Committee voted to block a nearly 3.5 percent cut to Medicaid payments to health care providers statewide.

The state health department proposed the cut in response to the state’s fiscal crisis, and overall state budget cuts made in this year’s legislative session.

Following the November committee vote, the health department reduced the proposed cut by about half-a-percent - but the committee didn’t immediately OK that change.

Earlier this month, committee member Kathy Kelker, a Billings Democrat, told MTPR News, "The objections are only delaying the inevitable. There has to be cuts in order to balance the budget. And to continue with the rates that are current only creates more debt.”

Now, a majority of the committee has agreed to drop its objections, and allow the smaller cut in Medicaid payments go through, starting on January 1.

That ends weeks of limbo for health care providers, who will have to adjust their own budgets and potentially reduce services to Medicaid patients.

Committee Chair Mary Caferro, a Democrat from Helena, did not support lifting the block on the cuts. She has told MTPR that she’s unsatisfied with the health department’s justifications for its actions.

Corin Cates-Carney manages MTPR’s daily and long-term news projects. After spending more than five years living and reporting across Western and Central Montana, he became news director in early 2020.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content