House Bill No. introduced by S. Howell and M. Caferro aims to enhance the Medicaid program in Montana by improving customer service and streamlining processes for clients. Key provisions include the requirement for the Department of Public Health and Human Services to accept applications and renewals online and via phone, as well as to allow electronic document submissions. The bill mandates that all written communications, including application forms and renewal notices, be written in plain language and translated into the state's five most commonly spoken languages. Additionally, the department is directed to provide an expected wait time and a callback option for hotline callers, and to report quarterly to the legislature on various metrics related to Medicaid client service.

The bill also includes a directive to reopen offices of public assistance by June 30, 2026, with specific considerations for their locations based on call volume and accessibility for residents. An appropriation of $3 million from the general fund is allocated for the implementation of these changes. Furthermore, the bill amends Section 53-2-301 of the Montana Code Annotated to reflect these new requirements and establishes definitions for terms such as "ex parte renewal" and "mobile-first technology."

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 53-2-301
HB0510_1(1): 53-2-301
HB0510_1(2): 53-2-301
HB0510_1: 53-2-301