Kelsey Gummer, MHA
Aaron Wernham, MD, MS
We launched the School-Based Health Initiative in 2020 with the dual aim of improving access to care for students and, by doing so, helping students stay in school and learn. The initiative supports partnerships between schools and health care providers to create school-based health care services in schools that need them most. As of 2025, … Continued
Melinda Buchheit, MS
New analyses find Montana’s current Medicaid program supports rural health providers, allows for state budget savings, and is a critical source of health coverage for Montanans across the state. Bozeman, Mont. – The Montana Healthcare Foundation released three new reports analyzing Montana Medicaid. The reports found that the HELP Act – or “Medicaid expansion” – … Continued
Melinda Buchheit, MS
Annual report on Montana Medicaid shows consistent improvement in health coverage, access to services, health outcomes, and reduction in costs for enrollees New data finds state general fund spending on Medicaid has remained stable since before Montana expanded Medicaid. Bozeman, Mont. (April 30, 2024) – The Montana Healthcare Foundation released its fourth annual report on … Continued
Melinda Buchheit, MS
Primary Care: The Foundation of Montana’s Behavioral Health System Bozeman, Mont. (February 13, 2024) – Today, the Montana Healthcare Foundation released a new issue brief that analyzes the role of primary care providers in addressing Montana’s behavioral health needs. As Montana seeks to build a better behavioral health system, the findings in this report underscore … Continued
Melinda Buchheit, MS
The Montana Healthcare Foundation announces $1.8 million in new funding for affordable housing and food projects across Montana. Bozeman, Mont. (January 31, 2024) – Today, the Montana Healthcare Foundation announced an initial round of funding totaling $1.8 million for nine projects that address local food and affordable housing needs across the state. The funding comes … Continued
The Meadowlark Initiative brings together a clinical team (made up of prenatal care and behavioral health providers) and coordinates outreach and community services to provide better care for pregnant women and their families, improve health outcomes, and reduce family separation. This innovative model helps prenatal care providers better address depression, anxiety, substance use, and other … Continued
A new report on Montana Medicaid finds a decrease in ER visits, hospitalizations, and associated costs with each year of enrollment in Medicaid expansion ER visits decreased by 11% overall and more than 40% for people with preventable dental emergencies. Health care costs also shifted from more expensive ER and inpatient care to outpatient services … Continued
An updated study of Montana’s Medicaid expansion program finds it continues to support economic activity and improve health while imposing no fiscal cost to the state. Bozeman and Missoula, Mont. (February 7, 2023) – Headwaters Foundation and the Montana Healthcare Foundation released a report on Montana’s Medicaid expansion program and its impact on the state’s … Continued
The Meadowlark Initiative® brings a new standard of pregnancy care to Montana by offering routine screening and treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness as a part of prenatal and postpartum care. The initiative supports recovery while keeping families together and children out of foster care. In partnership with the State of Montana, we … Continued
This week, in partnership with the National Council for Behavioral Health, we released a report that gives recommendations for how integrated care can be sustained and expanded in Montana. The Montana Healthcare Foundation’s Integrated Behavioral Health Initiative is transforming the standard of care for primary care providers and patients in Montana. We commissioned the National … Continued