MDP Slams Gianforte’s Department of Health and Human Services for Attacking Montanans' Access to Medicaid

Gianforte’s Department of Health and Human Services hopes to rush federal changes to the Medicaid Expansion program, forcing Montanans to pay higher costs and jump through additional hoops to receive basic healthcare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 18, 2025

CONTACT
gaby@montanademocrats.org

Helena, MT– Governor Greg Gianforte’s Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is seeking permission to implement work requirements and new out-of-pocket costs on Medicaid Expansion members, forcing Montanans to endure more red tape and pay higher costs to receive the healthcare they deserve. Over 30,000 Montanans are estimated to lose coverage with these changes.

Gianforte’s DPHHS is seeking to implement these widely unpopular Medicaid provisions from the Trump-inspired, billionaire first “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” more than a year earlier than federally required. Rushing these bureaucratic hurdles on tens of thousands of Montanans is yet another example of how Republican leaders in Montana are failing the state’s working class.

“It’s not surprising that the Gianforte Administration is cruelly pushing for more red tape on Montanans who rely on Medicaid Expansion for health insurance,”  said Interim Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party, Justin Ailport. “If it doesn’t help the billionaires and ultra-wealthy, Gianforte doesn’t care. Unfortunately, it’s Montana’s most vulnerable who will pay the price.”

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