Bill > HB585

This bill establishes a new Medicaid reimbursement method for physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists, setting a specific conversion factor of $39.56 for state fiscal year 2026 and allowing the Department of Public Health and Human Services to adjust this factor annually based on the medical care consumer price index. The bill amends existing definitions in Montana law to include precise definitions for these healthcare professionals, clarifying how their services will be reimbursed under Medicaid. Specifically, service reimbursement will be calculated by multiplying the conversion factor by the relative value unit (a numerical value assigned to each procedure code) and applying any applicable policy adjusters. The bill also adds these new professional categories to existing statutes about Medicaid reimbursement, referencing their professional definitions from other Montana code sections. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and are intended to be integrated into the state's existing Medicaid reimbursement framework, providing a standardized and transparent method for calculating payments to these healthcare providers.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1850