The Flathead Valley’s Leading Independent Journal of Observation, Analysis, & Opinion. © James R. Conner.

 

2 April and 29 March 2013

Status of Medicaid expansion legislation in Montana

Two updates (so far) on 2 April 2013. Here’s a summary report on Medicaid expansion legislation as the legislature’s Easter break begins (legislative calendar, PDF). Action resumes when the legislature reconvenes on Tuesday, 2 April.

HB-548. Straightforward implementation of expanded Medicaid by Rep. Pat Noonan. Tabled in committee on 28 March. Fiscal note available.

HB-590. Gov. Bullock’s Medicaid expansion plan, carried by Rep. Chuck Hunter (D-Helena). Tabled in Committee on 28 March. Fiscal note available.

Update 2 April 2013. The bill was stripped down to a shell. See Mike Dennison’s story, Republicans on House panel vote to kill Medicaid expansion bills.HB-604. Two-year interim study of Medicaid expansion. Approved 50-49 on 28 March, transmitted to senate. There is no need for further study. People are hurting and need help. This is a coward’s way of saying “screw you, you’re on your own" (otherwise known as personal responsibility). Rep. Cary Smith (R-Billings) is sponsoring HB-604. Fiscal note available.

HB-623. The GOP Vouchercaid scheme, carried by Rep. Liz Bangerter (R-Helena). Approved by committee on 10-6 party line vote. Second reading in House schedule for 2 April. Fiscal note available.

  • Update 1. Approved 58–42 (Update 2: the 60–40 count reported on the committee’s page does not match the tally of the votes) on the second reading after being amended (much of the bill was struck). The bill’s title section begins, “A Bill For An Act Entitled: "An Act Generally Revising Laws Related To Health Care And Health Insurance To Improve Access Without Expanding The Medicaid Program As Allowed Under Public Law 111-148 And Public Law 111-152;.” Helena Democrat Chuck Hunter voted for the bill. The following Republicans voted against it:

  • Legislator District Town Vote
    Bennett, Jerry 1 Libby N
    Hollandsworth, Roy 28 Brady N
    O'neil, Jerry 3 Columbia Falls N
    Smith, Cary 55 Billings N

SB-393. Senate version of HB-458, carried by Sen. Christine Kaufmann (D-Helena). Heard in committee on 27 March, awaiting further action. Fiscal note available.

  • Update. Shot down 29–21 on 27 March.

SB-395. Montana Hospital Association bill carried by Sen. Dave Wanzenreid (D-Missoula). Heard in committee on 27 March, awaiting further action. Fiscal note available.

  • Update. Failed 23–27 on 27 March.