Medicaid

Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation that requires some people on Medicaid to prove they are working or lose health coverage.The state quickly submitted its plan to implement those work requirements. But the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will not consider the state’s request.

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Montana health officials have submitted an application for the state's share of a $50 billion rural health fund. Montana will receive at least $500 million over five years. The federal funding is aimed at helping rural hospitals fill the gap left by Medicaid cuts

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State health officials told lawmakers this week they will likely need more funding to implement Medicaid work requirements.

Planned Parenthood clinics in Montana are no longer able to bill Medicaid for any services. Federal appeals court last week overturned a previous ruling that blocked the policy from taking effect.

State health officials are asking the federal government for permission to implement Medicaid work requirements early. Experts worry many people won’t be able to keep up with the additional paperwork, even if they are working. KFF, a non-partisan health policy group, estimates 34,000 Montanans could lose coverage.

Montana’s Medicaid office is struggling to process applications in a timely manner. The state is planning to fast track new work requirements and eligibility checks – which would mean even more paperwork for applicants and state officials.

Montanans who need help shopping for health insurance or enrolling in Medicaid may soon be on their own. The Trump administration is cutting federal funding for a service that helped people get insured.

The Montana State Hospital lost its federal certification in 2022 due to patient deaths. That decertification means the state can’t bill Medicaid or Medicare for patient services – a funding loss that has cost the state millions of dollars. State health officials plan to apply for federal recertification next year.