Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] establishes new requirements for the expansion of Medicaid eligibility by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), specifically targeting able-bodied adults who must meet community engagement criteria. The bill mandates that DPHHS submit a federal waiver application by December 1, 2025, to facilitate this expansion. In the event of a waiver rejection, the department is obligated to report to the legislature with details regarding the rejection and any potential legal challenges. The legislation also introduces measures to enhance program integrity, including biannual eligibility redeterminations and a lifetime benefit limit for able-bodied adults.

Additionally, the bill amends the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to refine Medicaid eligibility criteria, requiring individuals to have an income between 0% and 100% of the federal poverty level, be under 65 years of age, and be able-bodied. It raises the age limit for community engagement participation from 55 to 65 years and establishes a standardized process for exemption requests, including an appeals process. The bill also addresses the federal medical assistance percentage for Medicaid services, introducing provisions for state revenue appropriation and cost-sharing measures if federal assistance falls below certain levels. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will terminate on June 30, 2029, unless specific legislative actions are taken by that date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 39-12-103, 53-6-1304, 53-6-1307, 53-6-1308, 53-6-1313
SB0334_1(1): 39-12-103, 53-6-1304, 53-6-1307, 53-6-1308, 53-6-1313
SB0334_1: 39-12-103, 53-6-1304, 53-6-1307, 53-6-1308, 53-6-1313