September 11, 2017 - 4:44 PM
HELENA, Mont. - The Latest on proposed cuts to Montana's state health department (all times local):
5:45 p.m.
A Montana legislative committee heard concerns over a state health department proposal to reduce the rate at which it reimburses Medicaid providers and end some case management services.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services proposed the cuts under legislation triggered by reduced state revenues.
Lee Newspapers of Montana reports the Children, Families, Health and Human Services interim committee objected to the proposed cuts, saying they did not meet legislative intent. The committee's objection put a six-month delay on the process.
More than 100 people lined up to testify Monday, saying the proposed cuts would harm elderly people, those with mental illnesses or disabilities and cause them to need costlier treatment or possibly shorten their lives.
The governor has also asked each agency to make recommendations for another 10 per cent in budget cuts due to declining state revenues.
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3:45 p.m.
A Montana legislative committee heard concerns over a state health department proposal to reduce the rate at which it reimburses Medicaid providers and end some case management services.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services proposed the cuts after the Legislature reduced its budget.
Lee Newspapers of Montana reports the Children, Families, Health and Human Services interim committee objected to the proposed cuts, saying they did not meet legislative intent. The committee's objection put a six-month delay on the process.
More than 100 people lined up to testify Monday, saying the proposed cuts would harm elderly people, those with mental illnesses or disabilities and cause them to need costlier treatment or possibly shorten their lives.
The governor has also asked each agency to make recommendations for another 10 per cent in budget cuts due to declining state revenues.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017