"Gazette opinion: A healthy choice, Medicaid reform would boost state's economy," Billings Gazette, March 3, 2013.
The Montana Budget and Policy Center estimates that 7,245 Yellowstone County residents would become eligible for Medicaid and that covering more Montanans would boost Medicaid spending in our county by $56 million annually while creating 1,450 jobs....
That's an offer too good to refuse. We call on lawmakers to consider the full impact of Medicaid reform and expansion. We call on Bullock to get his proposal before the Legislature when members return from transmittal break and to work with them to get a good plan for Montana. Lawmakers who want to boost Montana's economy won't find a better opportunity this year than Medicaid.
MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.