Summary:
Current Status of Medicaid Expansion in State:
State is Studying Options, leaning toward "Expansion."
Decision Process:
The governor will be submitting a proposal in accordance with the regular legislative process. Republican committees in the State House have thus far been successful in blocking Democrat-sponsored bills for the Medicaid expansion, but Democratic legislators are determined to keep trying.
Background:
· Currently:
12% of Montana residents are enrolled in Medicaid. 75% of beneficiaries have managed care. The state's Medicaid program covers up to 250% FPL depending on the specific program. Department of Public Health and Human Services runs the state's Medicaid program.
· Expansion:
An expansion of Medicaid to 133% would be a 55% increase over current enrollment.
· Process:
Current governor, Brian Schweitzer, has not announced a decision but will be submitting a proposal on the expansion with his budget. Democrat, Steve Bullock, is governor elect and will assume responsibilities on January 7th, 2013.
State Activity:
· Governor Schweitzer has expressed concern over how Montana would pay for an expansion while keeping a budget surplus.
· Governor-elect Bullock generally avoided the topic of health care reform before taking office, but has since stated that in taking on the Expansion states should be focusing on the longterm good. His Expansion proposal faces opposition from the state legislature.
· There has been no apparent or widespread public outreach.
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