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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Montanans on Medicaid are now required to show they’re working or qualify for a wide range of exemptions. Some people on Medicaid say the state hasn’t been clear about when they should submit their paperwork. -
Medicaid advocates rallied at the state Capitol Wednesday to voice their opposition to new work requirements. They argued the state is rushing to roll out new rules that will impact who still qualifies.
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As of July 1, Montanans on certain Medicaid programs will be required to work or volunteer 80 hours every month or file for an exemption. The state is among the first in the country to roll out work requirements under a federal law passed last year. But, officials haven't finished setting up everything they need to implement the new rules. -
Gov. Greg Gianforte and state health officials have agreed to withhold a pay bump for Medicaid providers. The move will resolve a budget shortfall for the public health insurance program. -
Federal officials released the final rules for Medicaid requirements this week. Hiding among the nearly 400 pages of regulations is a significant change that could make it harder for Montanans to stay on the public health insurance program. -
Montana’s top law enforcement officer joined Vice President J.D. Vance for an anti-fraud roundtable this week. President Donald Trump earlier this year declared what he called a “full-scale war” on fraud in public benefit programs like Medicaid and nutrition assistance.
