Research
Medicaid Expansion in Indian Country: Improving the Health of Individuals and Communities.
As of January 2024, 90,003 Montanans were enrolled, of which 16 percent were American Indian. Not only has Medicaid expansion have the potential to help close the staggering health disparities gaps for American Indians, but it also brings much-needed health care dollars into Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal, and urban health (I/T/U) facilities, which can bill Medicaid for services.
Medicaid Provides Stability for Montanans During Times of Crisis
During the stay-at-home order, Medicaid provided an important safety net to thousands of laid-off workers. Montanans on Medicaid expansion were more likely to lose their jobs during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without Medicaid expansion, thousands of Montana workers would have faced a dual tragedy of losing not only their jobs but also their health care in the midst of a public health crisis.