Nearly two-thirds of Medicaid members reside in rural areas (65% in 2023). Nationally, individuals living in rural areas experience higher rates of chronic and behavioral health conditions and higher mortality rates, making access to health care coverage particularly critical to their health and well-being.
Montana’s Medicaid program is authorized under 53-6-101, Montana Code Annotated, and Article XII, Section XII of the Montana Constitution. Medicaid is administered by DPHHS, which is comprised of approximately 3,000 individuals with a budget of around $7 billion biennally. DPHHS is the state's human service "superagency," also managing public health, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, state health care facilities, federal childcare grants, child welfare, and other social services. Medicaid is managed by the Medicaid and Health Services office within DPHHS, with the Medicaid director serving as the program’s executive director.
Nationally, managed care is the dominant delivery system for state Medicaid programs. In managed care systems, states deliver health care services to Medicaid members through contracted arrangements between the state Medicaid program and managed care plans which receive a “per-member per-month” capitated payment. As of July 2022, 40 states and Washington, DC, contract with comprehensive, risk-based managed care plans to provide care to at least some Medicaid members. Unlike many states, Montana does not have Medicaid-managed care. Instead, Montana contracts directly with providers, and pays contracted providers in a variety of ways. Many Medicaid services, particularly outpatient services, are paid “fee-for-service.” Critical access hospitals and federally qualified health centers are paid on a cost basis. Montana Medicaid also improves quality through programs such as the Early/Elective Inductions and Cesarean Sections, which reduces reimbursement for non-medically necessary inductions and cesarean deliveries, as well as the Nursing Home Quality Rate program.
Medicaid is a safety net program that provides Montanans with low income access to essential health care services. Medicaid supports the health care needs of Montanans across their lifespan, including children, adults, and seniors. It is a particularly critical source of coverage for the state’s rural and American Indian communities. Beyond providing coverage for many individuals, Medicaid reimbursement plays an essential role in Montana’s health care system, allowing providers and hospitals to maintain and expand essential services, such as emergency care, obstetric services, Preventive care, and treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness. Montana administers and funds the Medicaid program in partnership with the federal government and each year, the federal government reimburses Montana for nearly 80% of program costs. Medicaid continues to strengthen its services and supports to meet the needs of Montana’s most vulnerable residents.
Montana Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c)3 private foundation that makes strategic investments to improve health in Montana. It provides
funding, leadership, and expertise to help communities tackle Montana’s most important health problems. It conducts policy analysis so that
Montanans can be well-informed and engaged in decisions that impact their health. It prioritizes supporting the health and well-being of people
and communities at increased risk for poor health outcomes because of income, geographic barriers, the availability and accessibility of health
and social services, and health disparities. To learn more, visit
mthf.org.
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This report would not have been possible without the support of DPHHS.
Visit the
Montana Healthcare Foundation’s website for more information about the report, for links to other Medicaid in Montana reports, and to
download the accompanying data book. For any questions about the report, contact the Montana Healthcare Foundation at
[email protected].