Share Your Voice on Medicaid
As you probably know, the "big" federal reconciliation bill made sweeping changes to Medicaid, including implementing work reporting requirements and copays for services. It also takes lawfully-present refugees and immigrants who otherwise qualify off Medicaid. Not all refugees in our community--who are all working--qualify for Medicaid, but some do because of their low-wage jobs. Federal law requires states to implement the Medicaid changes beginning in January 2027, but Montana is choosing to make changes even sooner.
Below I have forwarded some information to ask for your support in contacting DPHHS to make your voice heard on behalf of some of our state's most vulnerable. Please take 10 minutes to do this by tomorrow, Monday, August 18. I know that's not much advance notice, so please act now!
Here's the summary: Montana DPHHS is requesting a waiver allowing Montana to implement the new Medicaid requirements ahead of federal deadlines. Rushing this process puts Montanans at risk, as was observed during the Medicaid unwinding process.
Take Action
What can you do? Contact DPHHS, which is accepting public comments on the proposed waiver through tomorrow, August 18.
Comments can be submitted to DPHHS by email at dphhscomments@mt.gov. Use the subject line “HELP Demonstration Waiver."
Here are some suggested talking points from the Healthy Montana coalition.
For help drafting your comments, or to share a personal Medicaid story, Catalyst Montana can help.
If you would find it helpful, have a look at the DPHHS website, which includes upcoming public meetings and how to submit written comments.
Please speak up to protect Medicaid for refugees.
With gratitude,
Nancy Van Maren
p.s. Thanks to Soft Landing Missoula and the Montana Nonprofit Association for making it easy to make a difference by providing the language above and the steps for action.
Welcome the stranger (Lev. 19:33-34). Learn to do good. Seek justice. Rebuke the oppressor. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the widow (Isaiah 1:17).