Aaron Wernham, MD, MS, Chief Executive Officer at Montana Healthcare Foundation | Official website
Aaron Wernham, MD, MS, Chief Executive Officer at Montana Healthcare Foundation | Official website
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 health care coverage to nearly 110,000 adults with low income, leading to a reduction in the number of uninsured individuals in the state by more than 50% since 2013. Additionally, individuals under Medicaid expansion have been accessing preventive services and care for chronic conditions, with thousands benefiting from treatments for diabetes, substance use disorders, and mental health services.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the crucial role of Medicaid in providing health care coverage for American Indian people in Montana, with more than 10,700 individuals receiving preventive services in 2022 alone.
Medicaid expansion has also led to a decrease in emergency room visits, with enrollees experiencing a reduction in the need for emergency care over time. The shift towards outpatient services and pharmacy utilization has not only improved health outcomes but also contributed to controlling healthcare costs in the state.
The report, titled "2024 Medicaid in Montana: How Medicaid Impacts Montana’s State Budget, Economy, and Health," was commissioned by the Montana Healthcare Foundation and produced by Manatt Health, a firm known for integrating legal and consulting expertise in the healthcare sector.
The findings of the report underscore the transformative impact of Medicaid expansion on Montana's healthcare system, emphasizing the importance of continued support for programs that enhance access to quality healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
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