Montana’s early Medicaid work rules confuse enrollees

Montana began a soft launch of Medicaid work requirements in July and gave enrollees until Oct. 1 to comply. Nearly 71,000 people in the state are subject to the rules. They must document 80 hours per month of work, volunteering or study, or show they qualify for an exemption.

One letter said paperwork was due at renewal the following spring, but also said it was due within 30 days of June 26. Montana House Rep. SJ Howell has received dozens of calls from confused constituents. Critics worry the confusion could cause eligible people to lose coverage. State officials say the Medicaid office is ready.

Health officials told lawmakers they plan to process roughly 5,000 enrollees monthly. At a Sept. 9 hearing, officials said only about 20 of 59 planned positions were filled. Democratic lawmakers have asked the state to extend the deadline, but officials say they have no plans to do so.