Dear Editor,
HB 245 was recently signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte after being passed in February by the Montana Legislature. This important legislation preserves Montana's Medicaid program and ensures continued access to vital healthcare for thousands of Montanans.
I want to thank Gov. Gianforte, as well as Rep. Scott Rosenzweig and Rep. Jamie Isaly, who joined the bipartisan effort that will continue Montana Medicaid as-is. Not only does it help keep people covered and healthy, but it also protects access to local healthcare and supports a stronger economy here in Livingston and across the state.
Since it was expanded in 2015 to include coverage for low-income adults, Montana Medicaid has proven to be a cost-efficient, lifesaving program. With the signing of HB 245, close to 80,000 low-income, hardworking Montanans will continue to get the healthcare services they need. This coverage keeps people healthier, helps them stay in the workforce and better support their families.
Medicaid is good for businesses in our area because it enhances the pool of healthy workers and is a source of economic activity. It not only supports job creation, but also generates personal income.
Medicaid provides a financial lifeline for rural facilities like Livingston HealthCare, helping ensure we can continue to provide quality care to our communities. In fact, Medicaid positively impacts operations of almost all healthcare facilities in Montana, which strengthens our entire healthcare landscape so Montanans everywhere can get the care they need and deserve.
Please consider joining me in thanking our governor and local representatives who supported HB 245. Their leadership will positively impact everyone Livingston HealthCare serves.
Bruce Whitfield is CEO of Livingston HealthCare.