Wider Health Coverage on Nov. 6 Ballot

Karen Roach

On Nov. 6 voters can ensure funding of health care and long-term care services that would allow thousands of people to age in their homes.

Money to pay for the Healthy Montana Initiative (I-185) would be raised by taxing tobacco an additional $2 a pack.

AARP Montana backs the ballot measure, and early voting has started. As federal money to expand Medicaid decreases and the state’s responsibility grows, the measure seeks funding to keep about 100,000 Montanans from losing their coverage and to maintain the economic stimulus of Medicaid expansion.

The revenue raised by I-185 would prevent cuts to Medicaid services, provide needed funds for veterans services and fund programs to help Montanans quit smoking.

For more information, contact Mike Batista at mbatista@aarp.org.