HB 576 revises the funding for Medicaid and health and support services for children and adults who are aged, blind, or disabled. The bill allows a portion of the state's annual tobacco settlement proceeds to be used as matching funds for federal programs, including the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), home visiting services, and specific Medicaid waivers. It also expands the uses of an existing state special revenue account, enabling its funds to similarly provide matching funds for these same services. These changes are designed to help secure federal funding for a range of health and support programs.
HB 543 repeals the termination date for laws requiring the reporting and disclosure of violence against healthcare employees. Previously, these reporting requirements were set to expire on a specific date. By repealing that sunset clause, this bill makes the reporting and disclosure obligations permanent. This ensures that information about violence affecting healthcare workers will continue to be collected and shared indefinitely.
HB 574 authorizes the Department of Public Health and Human Services to establish a program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) by October 1, 2026. These clinics will provide comprehensive behavioral health services, including targeted case management, peer support, and outreach to emergency rooms and law enforcement. The bill also outlines specific requirements for CCBHCs, such as providing urgent care within one business day, offering a sliding fee scale, and not refusing services due to inability to pay. Additionally, it directs the department to establish reimbursement rates, monitor clinic performance, and develop an incentive program for clinics that achieve exceptional outcomes.
HB 806 generally revises the laws governing dietitians and nutritionists in Montana. The bill updates definitions related to the practice of nutrition and dietetics, and establishes new licensure requirements, including mandatory criminal background checks. It also outlines provisions for qualified supervisors, permits, and transitional licensure for these professionals. Additionally, the bill integrates licensed dietitians and nutritionists into the state's "quality educator" payment framework, affecting their recognition in public schools, special education cooperatives, and correctional facilities.
SB 218 establishes a private right of action, allowing minors, their legal guardians, or estates to file civil lawsuits against healthcare professionals and physicians. These lawsuits can be brought for injuries caused by specific medical interventions, including certain surgeries, hormone therapies, and puberty blockers, when provided to minors to treat gender dysphoria. Liability may arise if the injury is proximately caused by a deviation from the applicable medical standard of care. The bill sets a statute of limitations for these actions and clarifies that it does not apply to treatments for medically verifiable disorders of sex development or complications from prior medical treatments.
SB 449 generally revises health utilization review laws, affecting health insurance enrollees, health insurance issuers, and healthcare providers. It requires health insurers to honor existing prior authorizations for at least 90 days when an enrollee changes health plans and prevents requiring repeat step therapy protocols if already completed. The bill prohibits prior authorization for certain prescriptions written at discharge from inpatient care for at least three days. Additionally, it generally prevents health insurers from retroactively denying covered services that received prior authorization and mandates that insurers accept and respond electronically to prior authorization requests from healthcare providers.
SB 317 prohibits health insurance companies from requiring prior authorization for psychiatric prescription drugs that are officially designated as being in shortage. The list of these drugs will be updated quarterly, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's official shortage list. This aims to ensure covered persons can access necessary psychiatric medications without delays due to prior authorization when supplies are limited. Additionally, the bill prevents manufacturers of these shortage drugs from engaging in predatory pricing or marketing practices.
HB 601 establishes an online portal by May 1, 2026, to assist Medicaid applicants and enrollees. This portal allows designated "community assisters" to help individuals apply for Medicaid coverage and submit required documents. Key functions include enabling assisters to review application status, view department notices, report eligibility changes, and update contact information for their clients. The portal also allows, but does not require, assisters to submit initial applications or redeterminations and upload verification documents. This aims to streamline the application process for individuals seeking Medicaid assistance through community organizations.
HB 687 revises the age range for expanded Medicaid participants who are required to engage in community engagement activities. Previously, participants aged 19 to 55 were subject to this requirement. This bill extends that upper age limit, now requiring individuals from 19 to 62 years old to participate. Affected participants must complete 80 hours per month in activities such as employment, education, work training, or community service, unless they qualify for an exemption. This change directly impacts expanded Medicaid recipients between the ages of 56 and 62.
HB 56 establishes an assessment fee program for ground ambulance providers licensed in the state. These providers will pay a uniform fee of 5.75% of their net operating revenues annually to the Department of Revenue. The revenues generated from this assessment are specifically designated to supplement Medicaid payments for ambulance services. The bill also outlines procedures for reporting, collection, auditing, and penalties for non-compliance.
