The bill establishes a Medicaid Community Assister Portal, which the Department of Montana is required to create by May 1, 2026. This online portal will enable community assisters to assist applicants and enrollees in applying for Medicaid coverage and submitting necessary documents. The portal will provide various functionalities, including the ability for community assisters to review application statuses, view notices from the department, report changes in eligibility, and update contact information. Additionally, it will allow applicants or enrollees to designate community assisters to help with these activities.
The bill also defines "community assister" as individuals or organizations that aid people in applying for health coverage under the Montana Medicaid program. The provisions of this bill are intended to be integrated into Title 53, chapter 6, part 1 of the Montana Code. This initiative aims to streamline the Medicaid application process and enhance support for individuals seeking health coverage.