Nursing Homes

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte and legislators agree that Medicaid rates need to rise; where they disagree is by how much.

A study commissioned by the last legislative session found that Medicaid providers in Montana were being reimbursed at rates much lower than the cost of care. In his two-year state budget proposal before lawmakers, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte has proposed increases to the provider rates that fall short of the study’s recommendations.

The pandemic brought billions of extra federal dollars to the long-term care industry, which was inundated with COVID-19 infections and more than 160,000 resident deaths. Many facilities saw business decline amid lockdowns and reports of outbreaks. Staff members faced extra danger and stress. The industry is still feeling the effects.

A mill levy in Gallatin County could generate up to around $4 million annually to help fund 69 beds for some of the county’s older, and most vulnerable residents.

Reporter Niklas Means with the Big Horn County News covered the closure of Big Horn Senior Living.

Montana VA executive director Judy Hayman said in a statement Thursday that because of staffing challenges, the center is “unable to ensure … a critical level of high-quality care” at the nursing home.

Gov. Steve Bullock issued a directive Thursday lifting visitor restrictions at assisted living facilities and nursing homes — under strict guidelines.

Editor's note: state Disistrict Judge James Reynolds issued a temporary restraining order on June 13, 2018 ordering the state to pay the Medicaid…