Montana legislature approves bill to maintain Medicaid coverage

Montana's legislature has approved a bill to maintain current Medicaid coverage levels, sending it to the governor. This comes as Congress considers cuts to the program. The bill includes new work requirements for some enrollees, previously blocked under the Biden administration. The expanded Medicaid program, which covers over 76,000 residents, was set to expire this summer. The new legislation removes the need for periodic renewals, ensuring continued coverage for low-income individuals and families in Montana. Support for the bill came from a coalition of moderate Republicans and Democrats, while some Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about potential costs if federal funding is reduced. The Medicaid program is a significant target for budget cuts by the GOP-controlled Congress.