House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to amend Medicaid laws in Montana by removing work requirements and premiums, instituting 12-month continuous eligibility for Medicaid coverage, and enhancing customer service for Medicaid clients. The bill directs the Department of Public Health and Human Services to seek amendments to existing Medicaid waivers to facilitate this continuous eligibility for parents, caretaker relatives, and eligible adults. Additionally, it establishes a client advisory board made up of current or former Medicaid members to provide insights on program administration and services. The bill also aims to improve customer service by allowing online and phone applications and renewals, utilizing text messaging and email for communication, and creating a hotline for assistance.

Moreover, the bill introduces the Montana Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership Act program, which is designed to provide health care coverage for low-income Montanans, enhance workforce readiness, and decrease reliance on public assistance. It emphasizes collaboration among state government, health care providers, and patient advocates to improve health care delivery, increase access to quality care, and promote personal health responsibility. Key amendments include the deletion of community engagement requirements and the repeal of sections related to taxpayer integrity fees and premium collection. The bill allocates $3 million from the general fund for the Department of Public Health and Human Services for the biennium starting July 1, 2025, and establishes a special revenue account for the Montana HELP Act, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025, unless extended or modified.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1(1): 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1(2): 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1(3): 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1(4): 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1(5): 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1(6): 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1(7): 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1(8): 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325
HB0230_1: 39-12-103, 53-2-301, 53-6-160, 53-6-1302, 53-6-1303, 53-6-1305, 53-6-1313, 53-6-1315, 53-6-1325