Editors note: This is the third of a four-day series previewing the major issues before the 2013 Montana Legislature, which convenes next Monday in Helena. The full series is posted online at Missoulian.com. <\/p>\n
HELENA Once again, health care will be a contentious issue at the Montana Legislature and the biggest battle is likely over whether Montana approves new, federally funded health coverage for 60,000 people in the state. <\/p>\n
Most Democrats and health care providers are solidly behind the proposal to expand Medicaid for low-income Montanans in 2014, funded by the federal health care reform bill passed three years ago. <\/p>\n
Were talking about a billion dollars a year of new economic activity in the state, largely affecting the health care industry, says incoming House Minority Leader Chuck Hunter, D-Helena. I think that is a very telling story that is hard to ignore. <\/p>\n
Supporters of the expansion say it will improve peoples health, help the states economy and cut costs, because those with insurance are more likely to visit a doctor or clinic than show up at a hospital emergency room for high-cost care. <\/p>\n
But theyll be up against a Republican majority clearly skeptical, if not downright hostile, toward the idea of expanding government health coverage and the reach of Obamacare. <\/p>\n
I have to wonder about the wisdom of increasing reliance on a federal government that cant seem to get its financial house in order, incoming Senate President Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, said. <\/p>\n
The federal government is funding nearly all the costs of Medicaid expansion from 2014-17 and most of the costs for ensuing years. However, the state Legislature must approve the expansion and any state cost of administering it. <\/p>\n
Its estimated the expansion would bring $210 million a year in federal funds to the state over the next 10 years. <\/p>\n
A wild card in the Medicaid and health care debate is Gov.-elect Steve Bullock, a Democrat, who has steadfastly refused to say whether he supports expanding the program. <\/p>\n
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Medicaid, health care issues likely to be contentious at 2013 Legislature<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Editors note: This is the third of a four-day series previewing the major issues before the 2013 Montana Legislature, which convenes next Monday in Helena. Continue reading