Article Summary –
The Medicaid expansion program in Montana, which provides a public health insurance option for low-income adults and is funded mainly by the federal government, is due to end in June 2025. If the program is not reauthorized by the state lawmakers and governor, approximately 85,000 adults could lose coverage. Governor Greg Gianforte and other candidates for governor have varying views on the reauthorization of the program, with some advocating for changes such as work requirements and others supporting continuation in its existing form.
Montana’s Medicaid expansion program, a federally-funded public health insurance option catering to low-income adults, is due to expire in June 2025. If it’s not reauthorized by Montana lawmakers and the governor, the state’s healthcare landscape could undergo a significant change, with around 85,000 eligible adults potentially losing coverage.
In the upcoming June primary, five candidates for governor including incumbent GOP Gov. Greg Gianforte and his Democratic opponent Ryan Busse, have expressed diverse views on the state’s Medicaid program. Montana Free Press requested their stance on expanded Medicaid renewal via a written questionnaire. Here’s what they had to say:
What we asked:
As governor, would you sign a bill reauthorizing Montana’s expanded Medicaid program in its current form in 2025?
Greg Gianforte
“Medicaid should be there for those who truly need it, but it will collapse if all are allowed to climb on it. Medicaid should be a temporary program for most people to help them get back on their feet.”
While Gianforte didn’t definitively answer the question about 2025 Medicaid expansion reauthorization, he stressed the importance of the safety-net health care program while warning against its potential misuse.
Ryan Busse
“Yes. Folding more Montanans into Medicaid coverage was a bipartisan solution that has improved lives and livelihoods, provided community stability and saved money in the long term.”
Busse voiced strong support for reauthorizing Medicaid Expansion in 2025, praising its impact on families, tribal members, and their healthcare access.
Tanner Smith
“We need to provide some assistance for the healthcare of children and those in need of temporary coverage. I also believe people who can work need to provide for themselves, including their health insurance.”
Smith remained ambiguous about reauthorization but reiterated the importance of certain Medicaid programs for children and individuals in need.
Kaiser Leib
“Medicaid expansion requires more government spending, which requires taxes, we should reduce taxes. But cutting Medicaid in a vacuum does nothing to restore market efficiencies to healthcare.”
Libertarian Leib expressed concerns over government spending but suggested he would permit a reauthorization of Medicaid expansion.
Jim Hunt
“Absolutely. As governor, I would sign a bill reauthorizing Montana’s expanded Medicaid program in its current form. Good medical care means more productive workers and a healthier population.”
Hunt offered clear support for the reauthorization of Medicaid Expansion in 2025, emphasizing its impact on early childhood intervention, worker productivity, and overall population health.
For more insights into the governor candidates’ views on other important issues, check out the 2024 Election Guide here.
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