Medicaid

Democrats in the Legislature have also talked about making Medicaid expansion a priority, but Republicans still hold majority control in the House and Senate.

Monica Tranel writes, "Montana had one of the highest rates of kicking eligible people off of Medicaid, forcing them to go without insurance or to re-enroll."

If federal funding is cut, Montanan and eight other states would automatically or nearly automatically end their Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansions.

Medicaid expansion is a “crucial priority” for Democrats in the 2025 Montana Legislature — but Democratic leaders said Monday they want to do better than just continue the program.

Rebecca Hamler and Kade Anderson write, "In Montana, we know that when our kids succeed, everyone benefits. Let’s make sure all students in Montana have what they need to succeed; let’s continue to support Montana Medicaid."

Montana’s expansion, which insures roughly 78,800 people, is set to expire next year unless the legislature and governor opt to renew it.

As Montana’s population ages, providers serving low-income seniors say more people aren’t getting the care they need as they wait to get on Medicaid. Montana lawmakers are considering creating a shortcut to that care.

As of May 23, more than 22 million people had lost Medicaid coverage, including about 134,000 in Montana — 12% of the state’s population.

Montana Democrats have criticized the Gianforte administration’s handling of the redetermination process.

More than 127,200 people in Montana lost Medicaid with tens of thousands of cases still processing, according to the latest state data, from mid-February.