Bill > HB185

This bill aims to establish continuous health insurance eligibility for children under 6 years old in Montana's Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) plan. Recognizing that fluctuations in family income can cause children to lose and regain health coverage multiple times, the legislation proposes providing 1 year of continuous eligibility from the date of initial enrollment or reenrollment, or until the child turns 6, whichever comes first. The bill highlights several key benefits of this approach, including more consistent access to preventive healthcare, improved health outcomes, potential reduction in healthcare costs, and better early identification of developmental concerns. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is directed to apply for necessary federal waivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by July 1, 2025, and to implement the continuous eligibility within 6 months of receiving approval. The legislation stems from findings that Montana experienced significant child health coverage losses during recent eligibility reviews and seeks to ensure that young children can maintain uninterrupted access to healthcare services during critical early developmental years, regardless of temporary changes in their family's financial circumstances.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1382