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Montana Republicans want Medicaid Expansion Without Additional Costs

Bill aims to generate the additional money needed from parties that benefit from the program

By Andy Viano

HELENA — An early version of Montana Republicans’ plan to continue the state’s Medicaid expansion program seeks to do so without increasing the cost to state taxpayers.

Republican Rep. Ed Buttrey of Great Falls said Wednesday he wants to generate the additional money from parties that benefit from the program.

His bill calls for taxes on hospitals and health insurance premiums and increasing premiums for individuals who remain on Medicaid expansion for more than two years.

The bill would charge additional fees to recipients with significant assets and assess fees to tax-exempt religious organizations, such as Hutterites, whose members are covered.

The proposal would require most recipients to work, volunteer, go to school or undergo counseling for a minimum of 80 hours a month to stay eligible.