HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 19
INTRODUCED BY RASER
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO REVIEW HEALTH COVERAGE AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS' ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO STREAMLINE THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS.
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO REVIEW HEALTH COVERAGE AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS' ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO STREAMLINE THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS.
WHEREAS, eligibility for health coverage for Montana children involves varied and complex financial and nonfinancial requirements for various programs, such as Medicaid, the state Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Mental Health Access Plan; and
WHEREAS, face-to-face interviews are not required for eligibility determination for all health coverage programs, including Medicaid and the state Children's Health Insurance Program, but are required for some public assistance programs; and
WHEREAS, there are technical system capabilities that exist that are able to store demographic data, that could prevent the need to repeatedly request information on applications, and that could allow for on-line applications, the coordination of eligibility for multiple programs, and multiple-site services; and
WHEREAS, innovative technical systems that have the above-stated capabilities are already developed by other states, using federal funds, and are available at low cost to other states; and
WHEREAS, federal regulations and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services require three formal consultations with tribal governments regarding any major changes within the existing Medicaid and related programs; and
WHEREAS, the State of Montana recognizes the seven federally recognized Indian tribes in Montana, and the Legislature directs the Department of Public Health and Human Services to recognize and include the seven federally recognized tribal governments in Montana within all aspects of a Department study; and
WHEREAS, upon participation of the seven federally recognized tribes in Montana, the Legislature directs the Department of Public Health and Human Services to include the seven tribal governments in any aspect of the study and include the recommendations and participation in the report to the Legislature.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Department of Public Health and Human Services be requested to:
(1) identify and examine all existing eligibility determination and information systems involving health coverage and public assistance;
(2) identify the costs of acquiring and modifying existing systems to meet Montana's needs; and
(3) explore and identify possible federal and other alternative funding sources.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Public Health and Human Services report on a regular basis to the Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Interim Committee and to the Legislative Finance Committee regarding the progress of the study.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Department of Public Health and Human Services prepare a report to the 59th Legislature, as provided in section 5-11-210, MCA.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send a copy of this resolution to each tribal government located on the seven Montana reservations and to the Little Shell Band of Chippewa.
- END -
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