Montana Advocates Celebrate Passage of Medicaid Expansion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
CONTACT
gaby@montanademocrats.org
Helena, MT – Advocates of Medicaid Expansion in Montana are celebrating this week following the passage of House Bill 245, lifting the 2025 sunset on the health insurance program covering more than 75,000 Montanans.
See what advocates are saying below:
Anna Whiting Sorrell, Former Director, Department of Public Health & Human Services
“In Montana, indigenous people die a generation younger. The only way that’s going to change is by getting people access to the healthcare delivery system. Around 15% of the Medicaid population identifies as American Indian. If Medicaid Expansion were terminated, our Indian healthcare system would be devastated. With this action, there’s hope for improved health outcomes.”
Statement from Trent Bolger, Executive Director, Big Sky 55+
"Removing the sunset on a healthcare program that 75,000 Montanans rely on is an important milestone. We hope we can work with the Department to make sure people who are eligible can keep their coverage without complicated bureaucratic hoops."
Statement from Tess Fields, Executive Director, Blue Mountain Clinic
“Blue Mountain Clinic is a family practice medical clinic that provides the full range of reproductive options. More than 60 percent of our patients are on Medicaid and represent some of our state's most vulnerable individuals and children. We are grateful the Montana Legislature supported Medicaid Expansion so people can get the healthcare they need.”
Statement from Quinn Leighton, Director of External Affairs, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana
“Everyone deserves access to quality, affordable health care regardless of where they live or how much money they have. Medicaid is transformational for thousands of Montanans and their families, including in rural and tribal communities. Ensuring that we all have access to basic health necessities, including essential care such as birth control, cancer screenings, and abortion, makes our state stronger and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana is dedicated to ensuring that Montanans can continue to access the health care they need.”
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