Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Stakes High For Tribes In Republican Health Bills

Kevin Howlett is director of the Confederated Salish and Kootenia Tribes' Health and Human Services Department
Eric Whitney
Kevin Howlett is director of the Confederated Salish and Kootenia Tribes' Health and Human Services Department

As one of the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, more than 77,000 Montanans now have access to healthcare, and more than 11,000 of those with coverage are Native American.

When talking to providers and recipients across the state, many emphasized that billing Medicaid for a variety of services helps rural clinics keep their doors open, and keep locals healthy. But with healthcare now up for debate in Washington, its unclear how many will be able to hold onto the insurance they received due to the Medicaid expansion. 

Reporter Todd Zwillich with the public radio program The Takeawayrecently visited Montana and spoke to tribal health leaders. Click here to hear his story.

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