Public Health Care /Medicaid Redesign
As a result of state revenue shortfalls in 2001 and 2003, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services was forced to make difficult reductions in the state Medicaid program. To avoid similar crisis management in the future, the department asked the Legislature for authority to conduct a review of the program. The primary goal of the review was to reframe the program so that it is financially sustainable into the future.
The 2003 Legislature directed the department to conduct the study and
report to the 2005 session. The department began the study in September
2003 with the help of a 20-member advisory council appointed by the governor
and made up of representatives of the general public, as well as a broad
spectrum of groups directly involved with public health-care programs.
All recommendations and actions contained in the final report fully incorporate
the input of the council and all have been endorsed by the council.
