Statement of Robert Restuccia, Executive Director of Community Catalyst on final approval of Montana’s plan to expand the Medicaid program.

“Today’s announcement that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Montana’s proposal to close the coverage gap is a victory for the 70,000 Montanans who have been without access to affordable health care. By swiftly approving this proposal, CMS has ensured that all Montanans will be able to take advantage of the open enrollment period and gain coverage starting January 1, 2016.  

“We congratulate our partners, Montana Women Vote, Montana Human Rights Network and Montana Budget and Policy Center, who led a three-year campaign to elevate the voices of Montanans caught in the coverage gap and helped forge a bipartisan compromise. This agreement also would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of both officials at CMS and within Governor Bullock’s administration.

“Montana will now join the 29 states plus the District of Columbia that are reaping the rewards of accepting federal funds and increasing access to health care coverage. Closing the coverage gap will strengthen Montana’s workforce, its economy and its health care infrastructure.”

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About Community Catalyst
Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable, quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers, and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Read our blog at http://blog.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @healthpolicyhub