Montana Healthcare Foundation
Recent News About Montana Healthcare Foundation
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Montana Healthcare Foundation Report Highlights Impact of Medicaid Expansion on State Budget and Health
Bozeman, Mont. (April 30, 2024) – The Montana Healthcare Foundation recently released its fourth annual report on Montana’s Medicaid program, shedding light on the significant impact of Medicaid expansion on the state's budget and healthcare landscape.According to Dr. Aaron Wernham, CEO of the Montana Healthcare Foundation, "Medicaid coverage allows Montanans to access primary care, mental illness and substance use treatment, emergency and hospital care, and specialty services such as cancer care and surgery."The report revealed that Medicaid expansion has provided...
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2024 Issue Brief: Primary Care in Behavioral Health Press Release
A new issue brief released by the Montana Healthcare Foundation emphasizes the crucial role of primary care providers in addressing the behavioral health needs of Montana residents. According to the report, more than half of Medicaid members with behavioral health needs in Montana receive care exclusively from primary care providers.The analysis of Montana Medicaid claims data revealed that primary care providers play a central role in the state's behavioral health system, even for complex conditions. Specifically, primary care providers deliver a significant portion of...
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Montana Healthcare Foundation Announces $1.8 Million Funding for Community Projects
Bozeman, Mont. (January 31, 2024) – The Montana Healthcare Foundation has revealed an initial round of funding amounting to $1.8 million for nine projects aimed at addressing local food and affordable housing needs across the state. Dr. Aaron Wernham, CEO of the Montana Healthcare Foundation, emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing these essential needs, stating, "Communities understand their needs best."The funding is part of the foundation's new Healthy Montana Communities Initiative, which focuses on supporting community health by tackling...
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Announcing 2023 Mignon Waterman Award Recipient
Regina Ertz, Ph.D., has been named the recipient of the 2023 Mignon Waterman Award for her exceptional leadership as the Program Director of the Fort Belknap Tribal Health Behavioral Health Program. Dr. Ertz's innovative efforts to provide widespread access to mental health services within the Fort Belknap Indian Community have been recognized with this prestigious award.Expressing her gratitude for the honor, Dr. Regina Ertz stated, "This has been an incredible journey joining with the Fort Belknap Indian Community, with the goal to bring readily available and consistent...
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Announcing 2023 Call for Proposals Awardees
The Montana Healthcare Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2023 Call for Proposals grants. According to the foundation, these projects showcase innovative ideas aimed at improving health and well-being in Montana.The Butte SPIRIT Center is set to scale up staffing for a women's SUD recovery home with a grant of $100,000 over 24 months. This project will establish the first licensed recovery home for women with substance use disorders in the Butte area, providing much-needed services for this demographic.Gallatin County will receive $50,000 for a 12-month...
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New Evaluation: The Fundamental Role of Care Coordination
A recent evaluation of The Meadowlark Initiative highlighted the crucial role of care coordination in improving outcomes for pregnant women and their families. According to a Meadowlark Care Coordinator, "When a patient doesn’t show up for a prenatal appointment, I call to see if she needs help. I think this is why we have more return patients." The evaluation found that care coordination is instrumental in engaging at-risk patients and reducing the need for family separation.The Meadowlark model, which integrates prenatal care and behavioral health providers with...
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Montana Medicaid Report Shows Positive Impact on Healthcare Costs and Outcomes
Bozeman, Mont. (February 7, 2023) - The Montana Healthcare Foundation recently released its third annual report on the Montana Medicaid program, highlighting the program's significant impact on the state's budget, economy, and health. According to Dr. Aaron Wernham, the CEO of the Montana Healthcare Foundation, "The program is doing exactly what it was designed to do."The report revealed that Medicaid expansion enrollees in Montana experienced a decrease in emergency room visits and a shift towards more cost-effective healthcare services such as outpatient care and...
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Montana's Medicaid Expansion Program Boosts Economy and Healthcare Access
Bozeman and Missoula, Mont. (February 7, 2023) - A recent report released by the Headwaters Foundation and the Montana Healthcare Foundation sheds light on the positive impact of Montana's Medicaid expansion program on the state's economy and healthcare access.Brenda Solorzano, CEO of the Headwaters Foundation, highlighted the findings, stating, "Montana’s approach to Medicaid expansion is working and remains a crucial support to people working in health care, childcare, and other direct service industries that keep Montana’s economy humming."Dr. Aaron Wernham, CEO of...
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Announcing Generous Donation from MacKenzie Scott
Montana Healthcare Foundation received a $12 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, as part of her philanthropic efforts to support underserved communities. The foundation expressed gratitude for the generous contribution, acknowledging its impact on their mission to improve the health of Montanans."This gift will support and further our work to improve the health of Montanans," stated the Montana Healthcare Foundation, emphasizing the significance of the donation. They added, "We are honored and deeply appreciative of these new resources to support our...