This bill amends the Medicaid buy-in program in Montana to include children with disabilities, thereby broadening eligibility and access to essential medical services for this group. Key changes involve the insertion of "buy-in" in various sections to clarify the program's focus on both workers and children with disabilities. The Department of Public Health and Human Services is required to establish rules governing eligibility criteria, ensuring that financial resource limits are set at no less than $15,000 for children under 19 and $30,000 for couples. This provision aims to protect the financial interests of families with disabled children while emphasizing the importance of medically necessary services.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that children cannot be excluded from Medicaid services based on prior authorization if they qualify for those services. It also mandates the department to consider certain medical expenses for individuals in home and community-based services waivers and establishes continuous eligibility for medical assistance for infants and pregnant women. The legislation introduces a Medicaid buy-in program specifically for children with disabilities, outlines parental responsibilities regarding health insurance premiums, and sets limits on family cost-sharing obligations based on income. Additionally, it appropriates funds for the program for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_1(1): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_1(2): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_1(3): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_1(4): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_1(5): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_1: 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_X(1): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_X(2): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_X(3): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_X(4): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_X(5): 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195
HB0881_X: 53-6-113, 53-6-131, 53-6-195