Senate committee hears bill to allow presumptive Medicaid eligibility for in-home care to keep elderly, disabled at home

HELENA — Senator Mike Yakawich (sponsor) told the Senate Public Health Committee on Jan. 15, 2025, that Senate Bill 72 would establish a presumptive eligibility process so Montanans who appear to qualify for Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services can begin receiving care immediately while their formal Medicaid applications are pending.

Supporters told the committee the change would make services available faster, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and nursing home placements and likely reduce long-term state Medicaid costs by shifting care to less-expensive home- and community-based services.

Yakawich, the bill sponsor, said the measure is aimed at helping "long-term care for the elderly" stay in the community: "This bill is intended to provide a focused effort at helping elderly who are in need and qualify, and ... to keep mom or dad at home." He described a scenario in which a family member is suddenly unable to provide care and a short delay in eligibility can lead to a preventable fall or…