House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to reform Medicaid in Montana by eliminating work requirements and premiums, establishing 12-month continuous eligibility for Medicaid coverage, and enhancing customer service for 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. It also proposes the creation of a client advisory board made up of current or former Medicaid members to provide insights on program administration and services.

Additionally, the bill aims to improve customer service by allowing online and phone applications and renewals, utilizing text messaging and email for communication, and setting up a hotline for assistance. It establishes a target for a 60% ex parte renewal rate by June 30, 2026, and mandates quarterly reporting on Medicaid client service metrics. The bill repeals sections of existing law related to work requirements and community engagement, streamlining the Medicaid process for low-income Montanans. It also appropriates $3 million from the general fund for the Department of Public Health and Human Services for the biennium starting July 1, 2025, and sets a new effective date of June 30, 2025.

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