Montana News
Montana looks to fast-track Medicaid access for older applicants
With Montana News, I'm Eleanor Smith. Montana lawmakers are looking to fast-track Medicaid coverage for older adults who need help with daily life. Catherine Houghton, our partner with KFF Health News, reports. The health care program for low-income Americans opens the door to end home support like help showering or preparing meals. But obtaining that coverage takes time, and that delays care. Tyler Amundsen works for a Billings nonprofit that provides home-based services to seniors. There are a lot of seniors in our community struggling. They'll go home from a hospital with just enough care to get by for a little while. Montana lawmakers have a proposal to allow seniors and people with physical disabilities presumptive eligibility. That means people who likely qualify for Medicaid can tap into coverage as they finish the application and wait for approval. The goal is to avoid medical emergencies when someone just needs more help at home. That was Catherine Houghton with our partner KFF Health News. For more Montana News, weather information for your location, wildfire updates and more, you can visit our website at mtpr.org.