State Submits Application To Strengthen Medicaid Expansion
Gov. Greg Gianforte and Department of Public Health and Human Services director Charlie Brereton have announced Montana submitted a proposed 1115 Medicaid Demonstration waiver application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to strengthen the state’s Medicaid expansion program.
The waiver, named the Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership Demonstration, seeks to require community engagement and enhanced cost-sharing for working-age, able-bodied adults enrolled in the program.
“The safety net of Medicaid should be there for those who truly need it, but if everyone is allowed to climb upon the net, it will collapse,” Governor Gianforte said. “By requiring healthy adults to engage in work-related activities and cost sharing, we can help preserve the long-term sustainability of the Medicaid program and ensure that this critical health coverage remains available for those who need it most.”
The HELP Demonstration waiver requires eligible individuals to actively participate in their health care by paying premiums and contributing to their communities through work, job training, education, or community service activities that enhance their employability.
Brereton said the waiver aims to reduce government dependency and encourage self-sufficiency and upward economic mobility for low-income adults, which has long been a priority for Montanans.
Montana is seeking a fiveyear approval of the HELP Demonstration waiver and plans to implement it upon securing federal approval.
