"Medicaid Expansion Good Idea for Montanans," The Roundup, March 27, 2013.
Kristie Smith, Director of Public Affairs with the Montana Budget and Policy Center, stated “It’s not only critical for our citizens, but for our economy.” The expansion would support the economy as more people would be seeking healthcare, which in turn would increase the demand for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. A Medicaid expansion could add as many as 12,700 jobs annually throughout Montana and as many as 110 in Richland County. With the increase of jobs, the labor income will also increase to approximately $4,403,000 annually in Richland County. It is anticipated that throughout Montana, labor income will generate $4 billion in the first eight years.
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.