Obama administration has ‘concerns’ about Montana Medicaid plan — but says will work with state
"Our priority will be to make sure any ... approval provides for coverage that is affordable and accessible for Montanans and does not impose significant cost-sharing or premiums on individuals with very low incomes," said
Friday's comments are the first public statements by the Obama administration on
However, because
The feds' share then gradually ramps down to 90 percent by 2020, with
State health officials said earlier this week they'll prepare the waiver application and submit it to HHS later this year.
The expansion extends
Under
Obama administration officials said Friday they are "concerned" that the state plans to charge premiums even to people earning below 50 percent of the federal poverty line (about
The administration is "committed to supporting state flexibility and working with states on solutions that are consistent with federal law, and our priority is ensuring affordability and access," they said.
Wakana also said the administration is appreciative of "the governor's ongoing leadership" and is "encouraged by
The plan was approved by
The Bullock administration also has estimated that only 30,000 Montanans would sign up for the plan in its first two years.
Once the state prepares its waiver application, the public will have two months to comment before the application is sent to the federal government for review.
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