Medicaid Expansion Leads to Better Health

The health of thousands of residents able to enroll in Medicaid with the advent of Medicaid expansion in Montana since 2016 has been improving, according to a new study commissioned by the Montana Healthcare Foundation. The study "shows that receiving coverage under Medicaid expansion has allowed Montanans to access needed medical care,” said MHCF CEO Dr. Aaron Wernham. “As a consequence, even so early in this program, many recipients already report that they are healthier.”
Data now being reported monthly by the state Department of Public Health and Human Services indicate that:
• More than 90,000 enrollees have received preventive health services.
• Nearly 2,500 possible cases of colon cancer have been identified and averted.
• Nearly 1,000 people have been newly diagnosed and treated for diabetes.
• Nearly 40,000 people have now received outpatient mental health and substance use services, which is expected to help prevent more severe and costly residential and inpatient treatment in many cases.
“Medicaid expansion is a key component in helping Montanans address two of the biggest challenges facing our communities – mental health and substance use disorder,” said Dr. Greg Holzman, State Medical Officer for the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). “We will not be able to turn the tide on suicide or substance abuse without ensuring access to health care.”

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