Democrats Deliver On Day-One Priority: Invest in Montana’s Community Health Care Providers and Nursing Homes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 15th, 2023

CONTACT
hadley@montanademocrats.org

Democratic Amendments to HB 2 Become Law

Helena, MT – With the signing of HB 2 and the historic provider rate increase, legislative Democrats delivered on a day-one priority. Thanks to tireless work by Montana Democrats, a historic provider rate increase has been signed into law, so Montana’s critical community disability services providers, nursing homes, and long-term care providers can afford to stay open. 

Nursing homes are rapidly closing across the state because Montana does not reimburse Medicaid providers at the cost of doing business. In 2021, the Montana Legislature and Governor Greg Gianforte commissioned a $3 million study from the consulting firm Guidehouse to determine the amount by which Montana’s Medicaid provider rates are falling short. 

Ignoring his own study, the Governor’s HB 2 budget fell tens of millions of dollars short this year. Legislative Democrats fought hard against this short-sighted policy from the Republicans and successfully pushed for HB 2 to close the funding gap and keep Montana nursing homes and care providers in business. 

Democrats also secured an amendment to extend health insurance coverage up to 12 months for postpartum women. Thanks to tireless work from legislative Democrats, Montana women on Medicaid will receive health care coverage for a year after giving birth, when new mothers are at highest risk for dangerous postpartum complications. 

“The Democrats in the Montana Legislature are relentless,” says Sheila Hogan, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party. “Democrats secured historic investments in Montana’s health care system to keep nursing homes open and new mothers safe, and they did it from the minority. Our caucus will never stop fighting to do right by Montanans.”

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