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Montana leaders divided over Medicaid provider rates
The administration says the move would save about $10 million as lawmakers press for other funding to preserve the bipartisan increase.
- On Tuesday, the Gianforte administration continues to withhold a planned 3% Medicaid provider rate increase scheduled for July 1, citing a nearly $200 million budget shortfall within the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
- Legislators approved rate hikes during the 2025 session, but the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services claims budget pressures—including federal funding reductions from the "One Big Bill"—require saving about $10 million by canceling the increase.
- Dr. Heather Zaluski, a child psychiatrist in Helena, warned the lack of rate hikes worsens provider shortages, noting Medicaid pays $100 compared to $200 from Blue Cross. She reported families face wait times of up to two years.
- During a news conference Tuesday at the Montana State Capitol, Democratic lawmakers including Rep. Paul Tuss and Sen. Laura Smith urged Governor Greg Gianforte to reverse the decision, proposing the administration tap alternative accounts to cover the cost.
- The Gianforte administration maintains these measures are necessary to ensure Medicaid stability, stating it will not apologize for making difficult fiscal choices regarding the budget passed by the Legislature.
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Helena Independent Record+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Democrats urge Gianforte to change course on withholding Medicaid provider rate increases
“Gov. Gianforte would have you believe that he has no choice here. That’s wrong, Rep. Paul Tuss, D-Havre, said. “There are always choices.”
·Helena, United States
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Montana leaders divided over Medicaid provider rates
During the Montana Legislatures 2025 session, the main budget bill passed by lawmakers from both parties included a provision to increase Medicaid payments to health care providers around the state. Now, though, Gov. Greg Gianfortes administration says theyre trying to account for millions of dollars in budget shortfalls, and as part of that plan, they arent implementing that increase.The proposed 3% increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates was …
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution92% Center
Bias Distribution
- 92% of the sources are Center
92% Center
C 92%
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