Bill > HB850

This bill aims to provide continuous eligibility for children under the age of 6 who are enrolled in Montana's Medicaid program and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which are collectively known as the Healthy Montana Kids plan. The bill finds that fluctuations in family income can result in these children being disenrolled and then reenrolled multiple times, which can disrupt their access to consistent and preventive healthcare. By allowing children to remain enrolled until they reach 6 years of age, the bill aims to improve health outcomes, reduce administrative costs, and ensure that children are better prepared for school. The bill directs the Department of Public Health and Human Services to apply for the necessary waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement this continuous eligibility policy, and it provides appropriations to the department to support the implementation.