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 Takeaway recently visited Montana and spoke to tribal health leaders. Click here to hear his story.