Bill > HB601

This bill requires the Montana Department of Health and Human Services to create an online portal by May 1, 2026, specifically designed to help community assisters support Medicaid applicants and enrollees. A community assister, as defined in the bill, is a person or organization that helps individuals apply for Montana Medicaid coverage. The portal will have required features that allow community assisters to review application statuses, view department notices, report changes in eligibility, see required actions for applicants, and update contact information. Additionally, the portal may optionally allow community assisters to submit applications and upload verification documents on behalf of applicants. An important aspect of the portal is that Medicaid applicants and enrollees can designate one or more community assisters to help them navigate the process. The bill specifies that this new portal will be integrated into Title 53, Chapter 6, Part 1 of Montana's legal code, which governs the state's Medicaid program, and is intended to simplify and streamline the application and maintenance of Medicaid coverage for residents.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2536