This bill aims to increase the eligibility standards for pregnant women under the Montana Medicaid program by amending existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Specifically, it removes previous income and resource standards and establishes that medical assistance must be provided to infants and pregnant women whose family income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the eligibility resource test does not apply to plan applicants, thereby easing access to Medicaid for those who qualify.

The bill also includes provisions for continuous eligibility for medical assistance for those described in the new income standard and outlines the effective date of the changes as July 1, 2023. By making these amendments, the legislation seeks to enhance healthcare access for pregnant women and infants, ensuring that more individuals can receive necessary medical assistance without the burden of stringent resource tests.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-4-1110, 53-6-131