On October 8, the Montana Budget & Policy Center submitted formal comments to the federal Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in relation to the state’s proposed Medicaid expansion extension and amendment. You can read MBPC's full comments here.
CMS is required to take public comment for 30 days on the state’s proposal to continue Medicaid expansion with proposed changes that deviates from traditional Medicaid program. Specifically, Montana is asking for permission to implement work/community engagement requirements and increased premiums on some enrollees. As detailed in the public comment, MBPC supports continuing Medicaid expansion in Montana, but has raised concerns about the likely loss of coverage that would occur under the proposed work requirements and increase premiums. For more information on the waiver process view MBPC’s FAQ sheet.
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.