Underfunded Medicaid providers in Montana will get a bigger rate increase than the Gianforte Administration proposed, but they’ll still be an estimated $49 million short of their need for the biennium, according to initial votes Thursday in a legislative subcommittee and a consultant study of rates.
Montana lawmakers from both political parties expressed frustration that the largest healthcare systems in the state can claim whatever amount they want as community or charitable care with little oversight from the Internal Revenue Service or the State of Montana.
In an audit committee meeting, Montana lawmakers from both political parties questioned if nonprofit hospitals throughout the state justify their tax breaks.