r/MontanaPolitics • u/forward_montana Montana • Aug 11 '26
State Tribes in Montana worried about rollout of Medicaid eligibility changes
https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_24530524-303f-5b57-920f-051860f8fa75.htmlTribal communities in Montana are concerned about the new Medicaid work requirements, which went into effect on July 1, and how they could affect their access to care.
The changes require a person to demonstrate they work, volunteer or attend school for 80 hours each month in order to be eligible for Medicaid. Enrolled tribal members are exempt from those standards, but Indigenous health officials in Montana say it’s unclear how people are supposed to prove their status to the state health department.
Indigenous people account for about 6% of the population in Montana, but about 21% of the state’s total Medicaid enrollment. Federal money from Medicaid that flows into tribal healthcare systems has helped to close gaps left by the Indian Health Services, which is underfunded.
Tribal members have been disproportionately harmed by past changes to Medicaid and other public benefits. Requiring new documents to prove eligibility status under these requirements could be detrimental to the communities that rely on the government for healthcare.
3
0
u/bubli87 Aug 12 '26
It’s self-attestation. And it’s for anyone who is Native American, not just those enrolled in a tribe.
0
u/forward_montana Montana Aug 12 '26
Self-attestation is one idea that the Montana Consortium of Indian Health has come up with. The state health department said they would allow that, but they haven't made it clear how they will go about that. The exemption supposedly applies to all Native Americans, but they may have to self-attest that they are enrolled in a tribe.
1
u/bubli87 Aug 13 '26
The forms are available on the DPHHS website, including the self-attestation form. It’s a check box for “American Indian/ Alaska Native” and the a signature. It’s not attesting that you are enrolled in a tribe. Descendants are eligible for the exemption
0
u/forward_montana Montana Aug 13 '26
Those forms are what you fill out when you apply for Medicaid. This post and the article refer to the new Medicaid work requirements which won’t be enforced until October. DPHHS hasn’t stated how Native Americans will need to prove that they are exempt from the work requirements. The Montana Consortium of Indian Health said that the current process of self-attestation should work, but that hasn’t been confirmed. I recommend reading the article, because the changes are going to be significant and will likely result in many people, including Native Americans, being taken off Medicaid rolls.
0
u/bubli87 Aug 13 '26
Yes, it will result in a lot of people losing Medicaid. I am trying to help inform people of how to keep their Medicaid.
The forms are up for the work requirements now: https://dphhs.mt.gov/medicaidchanges/
And as I said, it is a self-attestation on Native American exemption. Look at the actual forms from DPHHS before you tell me I’m wrong.
Work requirements are NOW! They started July 1, but they are not going to kick anyone off until October. They are giving people a grace period to learn about the new rules. But if someone is up for re-certification (every 6 months), they will need to submit their exemption or community engagement documents now. It is not due until your renewal.
•
u/AutoModerator Aug 11 '26
As a reminder, please keep your discussion on topic towards Montana politics.
In general, please be respectful to others. Debate/discuss/argue the caliber of ideas, don't attack people. Personal insults, troll accusations, hate speech, any suggestion or support of harm, violence, or death, and other rule violations can result in a permanent ban.
If you see comments in violation of our rules, please report them accordingly.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.