House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant revisions to Montana's Medicaid laws, primarily by eliminating work requirements and premiums, and establishing a 12-month continuous eligibility for Medicaid coverage. The bill mandates the Department of Public Health and Human Services to seek amendments to existing Medicaid waivers to allow continuous eligibility for parents, caretaker relatives, and eligible adults. It also aims to improve customer service by enhancing the application and renewal process through online submissions, text messaging, email communication, and a dedicated hotline for assistance. Additionally, the bill sets targets for ex parte renewal rates and requires that all written notices be provided in plain language and translated into the state's most commonly spoken languages.

Moreover, the bill establishes a Medicaid Client Advisory Board to provide guidance on Medicaid program administration and service quality, composed of current or former Medicaid members and their supporters. It repeals certain provisions related to the Montana Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership Act, including the termination date for this act, and deletes community engagement requirements along with sections concerning taxpayer integrity fees and premium collection. The bill allocates $3 million from the general fund for the Department of Public Health and Human Services to implement these changes, which are set to take effect on June 30, 2025. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance access to Medicaid services and improve the experience for clients while emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders to improve health care delivery and outcomes.

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: 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