About 70,000 Montanans Are Eligible for Coverage

Montana has joined ranks with 28 other states that have expanded their Medicaid programs to cover more low-income people. AARP Montana backed the HELP Act, which extends eligibility to about 70,000 uninsured Montanans. Adults 64 or younger with annual income up to $16,243 for individuals or $21,983 for couples are eligible. As many as 45,000 are expected to enroll over the next four years.

The expansion will bring $1 billion in new federal dollars to Montana. The federal government will cover full costs the first year, declining to 90 percent by 2020.

“Expanding Medicaid also will help ensure that small rural hospitals in Montana can keep their doors open,” said Tim Summers, AARP state director.