The fate of health care coverage for many Montanans relies on the decision of elected officials to reauthorize the state’s Medicaid expansion program next year.
Originally adopted in 2015 and reauthorized in 2019, Montana’s Medicaid expansion program offers coverage to individuals earning income at or below 138% of the federal poverty line, including a family of four with a household income of $43,056 or less.
The program currently covers 82,412 Montanans and is part of the larger Montana Medicaid program, which provides health insurance to over 230,000 individuals.
With the upcoming reauthorization, the focus is on the future of the program, especially after redetermination led to many people losing health insurance.
Governor Greg Gianforte and Democratic challenger Ryan Busse were asked about their stance on Medicaid expansion in Montana.
Would you support the renewal of Medicaid expansion?
“The governor believes in preserving Medicaid for those who truly need it and is cautious about expanding it to all individuals.” – Gianforte’s spokesperson Sean Southard
Gianforte’s support for expansion was implied in his previous statements regarding the need for a safety net and work requirements for able-bodied adults.
Busse, on the other hand, expressed full support for Medicaid expansion, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring health care coverage and affordability.
Is Medicaid seen as a temporary program?
Gianforte suggested that Medicaid should be a temporary program to help individuals get back on their feet.
Both candidates discussed the implications of Medicaid expansion on government spending and eligibility criteria for the program.
Busse highlighted the importance of reauthorizing Medicaid expansion, citing its positive impact on the state’s budget and health care services.
Do you support work requirements for Medicaid enrollees?
“Gianforte supports encouraging work for able-bodied adults without dependents to receive benefits.” – Southard
The discussion around work requirements for Medicaid enrollees and the rejection of these plans under the Biden administration were also addressed.
Busse questioned the necessity of work requirements, highlighting that many Medicaid recipients are already working.
Medicaid redetermination
Gianforte’s office emphasized the importance of verifying eligibility for Medicaid and ensuring accurate enrollment numbers.
The challenges faced during the redetermination process, including disenrollment issues and long wait times, were acknowledged by both candidates.
Efforts to improve Medicaid services and accessibility were discussed, with Busse emphasizing the need for efficient government services.
Carly Graf is the State Bureau health care reporter for Lee Montana.
