June 28, 2006

More Children Eligible for Medicaid Starting July 1

More Montana children will be eligible for Medicaid beginning July 1 because of a change in eligibility requirements approved by the 2005 Legislature.

House Bill 552, sponsored by Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, increased the amount of assets a family can have from $3,000 to $15,000. Families also must meet income requirements to be eligible for children’s Medicaid. The asset change does not apply to other Medicaid programs.

Assets include such things as savings accounts, vehicles, investments, and real estate property other than the family’s primary home.

“No child in Montana should have to go without health insurance,” said Gov. Brian Schweitzer. “We owe our kids a healthy start in life so they can grow into healthy, productive members of our communities. That’s something all of us can benefit from.”

The change in Medicaid policy is expected to free up about 3,800 slots in the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP), according to Linda Snedigar, supervisor of the Medicaid Assistance Policy Unit of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. That’s because some families who are now on CHIP will become eligible for Medicaid.

Snedigar noted that the health coverage offered through Medicaid is more comprehensive than the coverage through CHIP. CHIP is aimed at families who cannot afford insurance but whose income and assets exceed the Medicaid guidelines.

Families receiving CHIP benefits will be advised of their eligibility for Medicaid when they receive their annual CHIP renewal notices, according to Katherine Buckley-Patton, CHIP supervisor.

For more information about Medicaid eligibility, call 406-444-1788 or visit your local Office of Public Assistance. For more information about CHIP, call 406-444-6971 or 1-877-543-7669.

Page last updated: 07/05/2006