This bill, titled the Expanding Physician Access Act, creates a new pathway for internationally trained physicians to obtain provisional medical licenses in Montana. It directly affects healthcare providers seeking to fill staffing gaps, particularly in rural and primary care areas, by allowing them to sponsor qualified international physicians for employment. The bill requires these physicians to have completed medical training, passed relevant licensing exams, and demonstrated English fluency, while maintaining existing safety and competency standards. After three years of continuous practice, provisional licenses automatically convert to full licenses, and the law ensures physicians cannot begin work without proper federal immigration authorization.
This bill directs Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services to seek approval for allowing children under six years old to remain enrolled in the Healthy Montana Kids Plan even if their family's income changes, preventing them from losing coverage due to financial fluctuations. The legislation requires the department to submit waiver requests to federal authorities by July 1, 2025, and to implement continuous eligibility within six months of approval if granted. Key provisions include maintaining coverage through the end of the month a child turns six, reducing administrative costs by eliminating repeated eligibility checks, and improving access to preventive care and early intervention services for young children. The bill also mandates that the department report to the legislature on the outcomes of these changes, including whether coverage gaps decrease and administrative expenses are reduced.
This bill authorizes Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services to implement a certified community behavioral health clinic model, directly affecting healthcare providers and individuals receiving behavioral health services. It requires the department to establish a program by October 1, 2026, set reimbursement rates based on actual costs, and monitor clinic performance through quality measures and cost analysis. Clinics must provide targeted case management, peer support, and outreach to reduce emergency department visits, while coordinating with other providers to prevent service duplication. The legislation also mandates quarterly reporting to legislative committees on implementation progress, patient outcomes, and cost savings, and includes provisions for an incentive program for clinics demonstrating exceptional results.
HB 797, also known as the "Expanding Physician Access Act," aims to revise occupational licensing laws to facilitate the licensure of international physicians. The bill establishes a process for the board to grant provisional licenses to international physicians who meet specific educational, examination, and experience requirements, and have an employment offer from a healthcare provider in the state. These provisional licenses automatically convert to full licenses after three years of continuous active practice in the state. This initiative seeks to remove barriers for internationally licensed physicians to fill vacancies, particularly in rural and primary care settings, while maintaining existing standards of care and licensing requirements.
HB 574 authorizes the Department of Public Health and Human Services to establish a program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) by October 1, 2026. These clinics will provide comprehensive behavioral health services, including targeted case management, peer support, and outreach to emergency rooms and law enforcement. The bill also outlines specific requirements for CCBHCs, such as providing urgent care within one business day, offering a sliding fee scale, and not refusing services due to inability to pay. Additionally, it directs the department to establish reimbursement rates, monitor clinic performance, and develop an incentive program for clinics that achieve exceptional outcomes.
This bill (LC 451) would revise Montana Medicaid laws to allow coverage for direct primary care contracts. It directly affects Medicaid enrollees who choose direct primary care - where patients pay a flat fee directly to a doctor instead of traditional insurance. The key provision adds "direct primary care contracts" as a covered service under Medicaid, prohibits the Department from requiring enrollees to participate in case management if they have such a contract, and defines the term. This change would expand access to an alternative primary care model for Montana Medicaid beneficiaries.
HB 953 revises Montana's Medicaid laws to allow for the coverage of direct primary care contracts under the state's Medicaid program. This bill directly affects Medicaid enrollees by providing them the option to use these services. It also prohibits the Department of Public Health and Human Services from requiring an enrollee to participate in primary care case management if they opt for a direct primary care contract. The bill provides a definition for "direct primary care contract" and includes an appropriation to support these changes.
