Montana Officials Secretly Negotiating Medicaid Expansion Deal
Source: TPM
DYLAN SCOTT MAY 9, 2014, 1:39 PM EDT
Medicaid expansion was largely left for dead in Montana, but a new report revealed that the state's Democratic governor and GOP legislators have been secretly negotiating a deal to adopt the key Obamacare provision.
The Missoulian reported Thursday on the "non-publicized" meetings between Gov. Steve Bullock's office, Republican lawmakers and private business groups. They're considering a privatized Medicaid expansion plan, using Medicaid dollars to pay for private insurance, much like Arkansas has done.
The negotiating parties have met with Arkansas officials to discuss their experience with the so-called private option, according to The Missoulian. Expanding Medicaid, which would cover up to 70,000 low-income Montanans, could happen during a special legislative session this year or in 2015. But those involved in the secret negotiations have acknowledged it isn't a given that they'll be able to make it work.
I think there are a lot of folks trying to come up with a solution, state Sen. Ed Buttrey (R) a member of the group, told the newspaper. The goals are cheaper cost, better (medical) service and a healthier population. If we can find a way to do it, we will. If we cant, we cant.
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Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/montana-medicaid-expansion-deal-negotiations
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)Remember this,all the people who live in the county that includes Libby,Mt get free medical care thanks to Max Backus. Don't think the rest of the state isn't pissed off. This two bit privatized thing not going to fly in my opinion. To many poor and Native Americans and the Rethugs really hate the Native Americans especially on the Crow Res.
2naSalit
(86,612 posts)I am one of the MT working (sometimes) poor and I have been pretty upset at the way things have been handled over the past several years. The privatized deal is no deal at all, except for the monied who will reap any and all benefit.
And you are correct about the Native American issues but I would extend that beyond the Crow Rez, it's all of them who are treated like they are less than human. Talk about white privilege... it's what's for breakfast, lunch and dinner in MT.
jwirr
(39,215 posts)be enrolled. My grand daughter traveled all over the US to help enroll reservations. I would have to ask her if that included reservations in states that refuse to extend Medicaid.