Montana saw a record number of residents sign up for health care plans through the federal marketplace.
Over 66,000 Montanans signed up for health care coverage on the marketplace, also known as Obamacare, during the recent open enrollment period. That’s according to the final data snapshot from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
That’s a 23% increase over last year, said Olivia Riutta with the Montana Primary Care Association.
“So we’re really excited that folks who lost Medicaid or healthy kids coverage enroll in marketplace plans during open enrollment,” Riutta said.
Those who lost Medicaid during the redetermination process can sign up for health care plans through July. Riutta said that means the number of Montanans on marketplace plans will likely continue to grow.
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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.
