health care

Montana Governor Steve Bullock is asking legislators to expand Medicaid in the state, but Republicans are out with their own plan that won't include taking federal funds. Montana State Senate Republican Fred Thomas says that Medicaid reform is a crucial component of the plan.

The deadline for individuals to sign up in the Affordable Health Care Marketplace is March 31, and new numbers have just been released for the state of Montana.

In the words of Montana's Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen, "Love it or hate it, Obamacare is the law, and Montanans have a lot of questions. I didn't write the law, but as Montana's Insurance Commissioner, I want to make sure all Montanans have the information they need to make the best decisions they can for themselves, their families and their small businesses."

The Wednesday edition of the Washington Examiner featured a story about a survey done by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce saying 74% of small businesses would have to cut jobs and hours due to the Affordable Care Act.

Earlier this week, Montana Attorney General Tim Fox approved the merger of Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Health Care Service Corporation. In conjunction with the merger, Fox announced on Friday the formation of the Montana Healthcare Foundation.

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen praised the passage earlier this week of Senate Bill 84, that promotes lower health care costs through the "Patient-Centered Medical Homes" model.

Nurses at Bozeman Deaconess hospital have been picketing this week over what they see as unfairness in the workplace.

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen announced on Wednesday that Montana is one of four states to participate in a new health care model.