Tracking What Matters Most for Montana’s Behavioral Health Providers
As the dust settles from the legislative session and we shift into summer, key developments continue to unfold across both state and federal landscapes. Here’s what you need to know and how you can act.
State Policy
HB 2, Montana’s state budget bill, was transmitted to the Governor on June 10. He has 10 days to sign or veto. Track its status here.
Governor Gianforte Vetoes Key Health & Human Services Bills
Several bills that would have directly impacted behavioral health funding and access were vetoed by the Governor:
- HB 585: Would have increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists. Read the veto letter
- SB 394: Would have added PTSD as a qualifying condition for workers’ compensation for first responders. More info
- HB 643: Aimed to restructure detention center costs and address behavioral health waitlists. The Governor called it “an expensive Band-Aid.”
Other recently vetoed bills include:
- SB 244: Behavioral health screening coverage
- HB 610: Healthcare preauthorization reform
- SB 537: Would have allocated marijuana tax revenue to conservation, law enforcement, addiction treatment, and homelessness services. Read more
We’re monitoring for possible override efforts and will share updates as they develop.
Wondering how current federal proposals could impact Medicaid?
The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) released a side-by-side comparison of the House and Senate Medicaid bills, outlining key differences in coverage, work requirements, and funding mechanisms.
From KFF: Senate Medicaid Bill Would Cut Deeper Than House Version
The Senate bill proposes:
- Expanding work requirements to more parents
- Reducing federal funding for rural hospitals
- Potentially leading to over 16,000 preventable deaths annually, per analysis
Despite this, most Americans support maintaining or increasing Medicaid funding.
From Pew: As Federal Funding Landscape Shifts, States Brace for Fiscal Impact
Advocacy in Action: Medicaid at Risk
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is calling on behavioral health advocates to act quickly as the Senate takes up legislation that would significantly restructure Medicaid.
“The next two weeks are critical.” – National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Key concerns include:
- Deeper Medicaid cuts than the House version
- Expanded work requirements and reduced rural funding
- Caps on provider payments tied to Medicare rates
How you can help:
Protecting Nonprofits: What’s at Stake in the Tax Bill
The National Council of Nonprofits is tracking provisions in the Senate’s tax reconciliation package that could directly impact nonprofit organizations.
Advocacy priorities:
- Oppose new or expanded taxes on nonprofits and foundations
Protecting Nonprofits in Tax Reconciliation – NCN One-Pager - Oppose limits on charitable giving incentives
- Support expanding universal charitable deductions (as proposed in the Charitable Act)
Charitable Giving Incentives – NCN One-Pager
Resources from the National Council of Nonprofits
- A Nonprofit Checklist: Conducting a Risk Assessment for Federal Funding
- A Nonprofit Checklist: What to do When Your Federal Grant or Contract is Terminated
- Nonprofits Under Threat: What’s in the House Tax Bill and How You Can Help
- Protecting Nonprofits in Tax Reconciliation
- Communications Guide
Medicaid Tenancy Support Services Now Available
DPHHS has officially launched Medicaid-funded tenancy support services to help individuals with behavioral health needs find and maintain stable housing. Read more
Covered services include:
- Housing search and application assistance
- Lease paperwork and landlord communication
- Crisis support and eviction prevention
- Help requesting reasonable accommodations for disabilities
- Limited assistance with application fees and security deposits
Note: These services do not cover ongoing rent but aim to improve housing access and long-term stability.
Providers can access training on How to Enroll as a Medicaid Tenancy Provider and How to Submit Claims through DPHHS.
Upcoming Events
BHSFG Commission Meeting
Monday, June 23, 2025 | 2:00–5:00 PM
Capitol Room 102, Helena + Online
- Agenda and Zoom link will be posted here closer to the date.
- Watch live via the legislative website.
- To provide public comment remotely, email dphhspio@mt.gov with the subject: “Monday, June 23 BHSFG Public Comment Request” to receive the Zoom link.
SUD Taskforce Meeting
Tuesday, July 23, 2025 | 10:00 AM–2:45 PM
DoubleTree by Hilton, 22 N. Last Chance Gulch, Helena
Montana Substance Use Prevention Academy
August 5–6, 2025 | Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Montana Peer Support & Recovery Services Symposium
Friday, September 5, 2025 | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial, 2301 Colonial Dr., Helena
Montana Nonprofit Association Annual Conference
Online: September 18-19
In-Person in Billings: September 25-26
Please reach out to me if there is anything you need. When we work together, we can solve all the problems out there!
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Sierra
info@bhamt.org