Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Medicaid expansion in Montana led to a drop in emergency room visits, report says

Medicaid Expansion Enrollees With an Emergency Department Visit by Year of Enrollment
Montana Health Care Foundation
/
https://mthcf.org/wp-content/uploads/Medicaid-in-MT-2022_4.12.22-FINAL.pdf
Medicaid Expansion Enrollees With an Emergency Department Visit by Year of Enrollment

A new report shows that people's need for emergency room care declined with the amount of time they were enrolled in Montana’s health coverage program for low-income adults.

The report from the Montana Healthcare Foundation found that enrollees in Montana’s Medicaid expansion program needed less emergency care after having health coverage.

For those enrolled for one year to three years, the study shows emergency room visit declines range from 10% to 30%, with people using outpatient services instead of the ER.

Aaron Wernham is the CEO of the Montana Healthcare Foundation.

“And this is exactly what we would hope to see because people are able to get into primary care visits, get preventive services.”

Over 100,000 Montanans have health coverage through the state’s Medicaid expansion program.

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