Governor Bullock – Medicaid creates jobs, expands workforce, and saves lives

This week, the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana released a new report that again confirms the benefits of Medicaid expansion on Montana’s economy, employment, and access to care.  

The report finds that renewing Medicaid in Montana in 2019 will continue and expand its positive benefits to Montana’s economy. Expansion is expected to generate between 5,900 and 7,500 jobs across the state and increase Montanan’s personal income between $350 and $385 million each year between 2018 and 2020.

The report also finds that Medicaid expansion has saved the state budget more than $50 million in its first two years and has saved more than $3 million per year in reduced spending on mental health and substance abuse treatment.

The report also found that Medicaid expansion reduces crime throughout the state by more than 3%, generating social benefits worth more than $10-$13 billion annually.

Labor force participation for low-income Montanans also increased by 6% as a result of Medicaid expansion and our unique HELP-Link program. HELP-Link is a job services program administered by the Department of Labor & Industry that connects expansion enrollees with workforce training, employment services, and job openings.

Medicaid isn’t just good for the health of our state, it’s also good for our economy and business community. As healthcare coverage provides life-saving care, it also helps Montanans find and maintain a good job and succeed in the workforce. This report confirms: Montanans must be able to continue accessing the benefits of Medicaid expansion and we must reauthorize it this legislative session.

I would encourage you to reach out to your local legislators with your support for reauthorizing Medicaid expansion. You can contact your State Senator and Representative by calling 406-444-4800 or by EMAIL.

You can also find their full contact information online through the legislative district map HERE.

As we continue working this legislative session to preserve healthcare for 95,000 of our friends and neighbors, let’s not forget the larger impact Medicaid has had on our economy, workers, wages, and businesses.

Sincerely,

STEVE BULLOCK

Governor