MBPC's Comment on the 1115 Waiver Amendment

Aug 20, 2021

Last week, Montana Budget & Policy Center submitted our comments in relation to the proposed amendment to Montana’s 1115 demonstration waiver for the Health & Economic Livelihood Partnership (HELP) program, as well as, the proposed 1115 demonstration waiver for Montana’s basic Medicaid program (which DPHHS has referred to as the Waiver for Additional Services and Populations, or WASP).

As one of several organizations working to expand Medicaid in Montana, MBPC supported the Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership (HELP) Act, passed by the Montana Legislature during the 64th Legislative Session. As of July 1, 2021, over 100,000 low-income Montanans were enrolled in affordable health care coverage. This effort has moved Montana closer toward closing the coverage gap, has reduced uncompensated care, and has injected billions in taxpayer dollars into our local economies. MBPC urges the Department to consider the impact that more frequent determinations will have on Montanans. Twelve-month continuous eligibility has proved to be a success in Montana..

To read our submitted comments, download the PDF here.

Montana Budget & Policy Center

Shaping policy for a stronger Montana.

MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.