This bill establishes a framework for presumptive eligibility under the Montana Medicaid program specifically for certain home and community-based services aimed at individuals with physical disabilities and the elderly. It introduces a screening process that must be completed for individuals to qualify for these services, which include those provided under the Big Sky Waiver Program and Community First Choice. The bill outlines the entities authorized to conduct the screening, the necessary training and certification for staff, and the requirements for applicants, including self-attestation and a functional assessment. Additionally, it specifies that the presumptive eligibility period begins upon completion of the screening and lasts until a determination of ongoing eligibility is made or until the end of the following month.

Key changes in the bill include the deletion of specific service types previously listed and the insertion of broader categories of services. It also modifies the timeline for submitting applications for ongoing coverage from 10 to 30 calendar days and allows the Department of Public Health and Human Services to grant extensions and exceptions to eligibility limits when necessary to prevent health declines or hospitalizations. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department notify tribal governments about the new provisions and includes a codification instruction to integrate this new section into existing law.