Bill > HB881

This bill expands Montana's Medicaid buy-in program to include children with disabilities, in addition to the existing program for workers with disabilities. The legislation modifies several sections of state law to create a new pathway for children under 19 years old with physical or developmental disabilities to access Medicaid services. To be eligible, a child must be considered disabled under federal guidelines and have a family income up to the maximum level allowed by federal regulations. The bill establishes a sliding scale for family premiums, capping out at 7.5% of family income for families above 200% of the federal poverty level. The program's purpose is to provide early medical, habilitative, and rehabilitative services to children with disabilities to potentially prevent or reduce their future service needs. The bill includes specific appropriations of approximately $1.8 million in federal special revenue and nearly $1 million in general fund money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support the program's implementation. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and require federal approval of amendments to the state Medicaid plan.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3802