Beneficiary Advisory Council

• BAC Meeting Webinar (YouTube)
• BAC Meeting Slides (PDF)

1. The length of quarterly BAC meetings will ultimately be determined by the members of the BAC based on agenda needs and discussion topics. For planning purposes, the first meeting is expected to last approximately 1–2 hours. Future meetings may be adjusted as the group establishes its working rhythm.

1. General members will serve a term of three (3) years.
2. Leadership positions will serve four (4)-year terms.
3. To support continuity at the start of the BAC, initial terms will be staggered, with some members serving 1-, 2-, or 3-year terms during the inaugural period.

1. Meeting schedules will be determined by BAC members through group discussion, taking into account member availability and operational needs. DPHHS staff will support scheduling and coordination once dates are identified.

1. DPHHS has received over 50 applications for BAC membership.

1. Leadership positions will be determined based on member interest, experience, and fit for the role, and group discussion among BAC members.

1. Participation in the MAC is determined based on BAC member interest, relevance and fit, and identified needs of the MAC. Not all BAC members are required to participate in the MAC.

1. BAC members will provide insights, feedback, and lived experience to inform DPHHS programs, policies, and implementation efforts. While the BAC plays an important advisory role, it does not have decision-making authority. Final decisions remain with DPHHS.

1. BAC members are only expected to participate in scheduled BAC meetings and any activities they voluntarily agree to, such as leadership roles or MAC participation.

1. BAC members may participate in person, virtually, or by phone, allowing flexibility and accessibility for members across the state.

1. The initial meeting will take place in Helena, with a hybrid option available for virtual participation. Future meeting locations and formats will be determined by the BAC.

1. BAC members are selected through a review of the applications submitted, with consideration given to experience, perspective, and the goal of creating a balanced and representative council.

1. Article V: Conflict of Interest. Section 5.01 Disclosure of Conflicts. All members shall disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest related to a matter before the BAC to the Chairperson and the DPHHS staff representative. A conflict of interest exists when a member’s personal, financial, or professional interests could improperly influence their ability to make objective decisions on behalf of the council. Having lived experience or receiving services does not in itself create a conflict of interest; rather, it is a valuable perspective that strengthens the council’s work. A conflict arises only when a member’s participation in a discussion or decision could provide direct personal gain, financial benefit, or advantage to themselves, their family, or their affiliated organization.
2. Section 5.02 Recusal. Any member with a conflict of interest on a particular matter shall recuse themselves from voting on that matter and may be asked to refrain from participating in the discussion.

Federal CMS Access Rules Text:

• Federal Register :: Medicaid Program; Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services

State of Montana BAC Website:

• Beneficiary Advisory Council

Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) website:

• DPHHS Home

Contact information for questions:

• savannah.olsen@mt.gov
• (406) 444-8072