Aaron Wernham, MD, MS
Montana is preparing to implement new federal work (also called “community engagement”) requirements in July for adults enrolled in Medicaid. Last month, we released an issue brief outlining steps the state can take to minimize coverage loss among people who meet the new requirements or are exempt from them by law. We have been studying … Continued
Aaron Wernham, MD, MS
Editorial by Dr. Aaron Wernham, MTHF CEO Starting this summer, health care will look very different for many Montanans. The federal government passed work requirements for Medicaid. In Arkansas, where work requirements were piloted, thousands of people lost their health care coverage not because they weren’t eligible, but because of paperwork errors, mail sent to … Continued
Aaron Wernham, MD, MS
We look back at the year with gratitude for the hard work and accomplishments of our partners and staff. In 2025, we funded over 120 projects that supported work in communities across Montana, and we saw outcomes in several of our initiatives, which resulted from many years of work by our partners with our support. … Continued
Melinda Buchheit, MS
New Report: House Budget Bill Could Reduce Medicaid Coverage, Cut Funding for Rural and Behavioral Health Care On a percentage basis, Montana would lose more federal funding than any other state in the country Bozeman, Mont. (June 6, 2025) – The Montana Healthcare Foundation released an analysis of how the Medicaid provisions in the House … 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
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