This story is excerpted from MT lowdowna weekly newsletter digest containing original reports and analysis, published every Friday.
Since MPs packed up their jobs and left Helena earlier this month, health and social service providers have been waiting for their hotly contested high profile policy agenda to come to fruition. It is a historic increase in state reimbursement for Medicaid services, including assisted living for the elderly. Home support for the elderly, people with disabilities, mental health and addiction treatment.
Republicans and Democrats have combined about $330 million in new state and federal funds to support Medicaid rate hikes, according to Rep. Bob Keenan (R-Big Fork), chairman of the Health Care Budget Subcommittee. Approved. Providers celebrated the fact that over two years, adjusted interest rates would reach 100% of the benchmark identified in the 2022 state-commissioned study.
The official motion to suspend Congress is often quoted as saying, “Nothing dies until death is over.” But on the budget, nothing will be officially announced about provider fees until House Bill No. 2 is signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte and the new fees take effect on the calendar.
“I appreciate the work Congress has done to fund home-based and community-based Medicaid services. I have faith in the Governor and us. [state health department] We understand the behavioral health pressures on our community and intend to do what is right for Montana. ”
Matt Bugni, CEO of Anaconda-based provider AWARE
Weeks passed without the long-awaited signature. Anxiety among providers once described by the Montana Free Press as “cautious optimism” is only growing. And on Thursday, the MTFP announced that Senate Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick (Republican, Great Falls) asked the governor in a May 18 letter to consider a $15 million item adjustment to Medicaid rates to save money. reportedly requested. Gianforte used the same authority this week to cut spending items from House Bill No. 5, the state infrastructure bill.
The news of Mr. Fitzpatrick’s request was hard to swallow for some Medicaid providers who are waiting to make decisions about future budgets based on what the interest rate changes will be. If the agreed tariffs are lowered, they said, in the long run, regional services will be threatened.
Matt Bagni, CEO of AWARE, an Anaconda-based provider, said, “By refusing to increase provider fees, we’re putting more pressure on the state for people who receive more limited, higher-cost levels of care. will be,’ he said. “I appreciate the work Congress has done to fund home-based and community-based Medicaid services. I have faith in the Governor and us. [state health department] We understand the behavioral health pressures on our community and intend to do what is right for Montana. ”
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