Montana governor signs Medicaid expansion bill

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock yesterday signed legislation (SB405) expanding Medicaid coverage to residents aged 19 to 64 with incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level. Under the new law, those who enroll in the Medicaid expansion plan will pay a premium equal to 2% of their income to help fund the program. The law also includes Medicaid program reforms and increased job training and readiness opportunities, as well as some tort reform. MHA, an association representing Montana hospitals and health care providers, anticipates federal approval and implementation of the new program by Jan. 1. “SB405 passed due to the unwavering commitment of several advocacy groups working together with Democratic and moderate Republican legislators to find a Montana solution to cover 70,000 of our neighbors,” said MHA President Dick Brown. “I am proud of the role that MHA and its members played in passing this legislation.”