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By Mark Moran - Producer-Editor, Contact - News
Big Sky Connection - Advocates for affordable healthcare want state lawmakers to extend an expanded Medicaid program in Montana, which is set to expire next year. Some 85,000 people stand to lose coverage. Critics of the expansion have said Medicaid is meant to be a short-term solution for those without health care, and not open-ended. Comments from Megan Martin, Medicaid recipient, Helena-based parent and small business owner.
Click on the image above for the audio. An estimated 85,000 Montana residents stand to lose their Medicaid coverage if a program expansion expires next year. Opponents of the expansion said Medicaid should not be a long-term health care option. (Adobe Stock)
Program expansion set to sunset in 2025
Mark Moran
October 2, 2024 - Montana's expanded Medicaid program is set to expire next year. People who rely on it are calling on lawmakers for an extension but opponents argued Medicaid was never meant to be a long-term option for most people.
The Montana Legislature voted during its last session to expand the state's Medicaid program to cover an additional 85,000 people.
Megan Martin, a small-business owner and mother in Helena who relies on Medicaid, said she is out of healthcare options if the state does not extend it.
"I have looked and have been told that I could get health care off of our federal marketplace, which I don't qualify for," Martin explained. "That's terrifying because I don't make a ton of money, being a small-business owner. So, not having any other option is scary."
Gov. Greg Gianforte has not been clear on whether he supports an expansion but has said Medicaid should be a temporary program to help people get back on their feet. Data from KFF Health News show 9% fewer Montanans are covered under Medicaid now than before the pandemic.
Montana's Medicaid expansion is largely funded under the federal Affordable Care Act but is administered by the state, which is why expansion takes a legislative vote. Martin pointed out like many Montanans, she is working multiple jobs just to keep up with her family's cost of living, let alone being able to afford health care.
"How many more jobs do I have to get? How much more hustling do I have to do? How much more money do I have to put in my pocket, in order to make sure that we're all healthy?," Martin asked. "Nobody should have to worry about that, at the end of the day."
The Legislature is scheduled to consider extending the Medicaid expansion when lawmakers convene in January.
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PNS - Wednesday, October 2, 2024 The vice presidential candidates hold their first debate, North Carolina election officials face challenges following Hurricane Helene and California bans local governments from requiring IDs to vote.
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PNS - Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - Hurricane Helene's death toll nears 160 as rescue efforts continue. US Navy intercepts Iranian missiles targeting Israel. Meanwhile, wildfires in Colorado accelerate snowpack melt, affecting water supplies, and a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats has caused 10 deaths.
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Anaconda Ensemble Theatre starts the spooky season off right, continuing their highly regarded Community Reading Series at Gunslinger Gulch! Featuring 'The Drunken Gunfighter's Ghost’ by Marc Littman and ‘Overcome’ by Bara Swain, both pieces have a mysterious feel, perfect for this time of year!
This is the 7th installment of the Community Reading Series, a professional but community-based project, with affordable tickets and the world premiere shows are performed in locations where "theatre typically isn't, such as shops, bars, bed and breakfasts, galleries and more.
Produced by Jackie Vetter (Anaconda, MT), both productions are directed by Valerie Guyant (Havre, MT), with stage management by Caleb Hill (Butte, MT). The casts include David Coleman II (Butte, MT), Brent Markee (Anaconda, MT), Trapper Bishop (Helena, MT), Amber Flanagan (Butte, MT), Ashley Rae McGee (Butte, MT), Heather Michele Sackett (Bozeman, MT) and David B. Coleman Sr. (Butte, MT).
Both presented one night only on October 19th at Gunslinger Gulch, 'The Drunken Gunfighter's Ghost' is about a drunken gunfighter actor in a desert ghost town turned tourist trap, who confronts his troubled past. And 'Overcome' tells the story of two intruders who visit Judy to help comfort the overcome young woman. You can see these pieces at 7:00 pm for $15 each night! Tickets are on sale now at https://anacondaensembletheatre.simpletix.com or by calling 406-200-8084
Gunslinger Gulch is located at 1600 N. Cable Rd. Anaconda, MT. One step leads into the building for those with mobility difficulties.
Thanks to our sponsors Gunslinger Gulch, Anaconda Community Foundation, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, and the Tammis Day Foundation!
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