MT HB934

Requires the Department of Public Health and Human Services to apply by January 1, 2026 to move Medicaid-covered assisted living services from the Big Sky Waiver program to the Community First Choice Option program, which provides a higher federal matching rate

Mandates annual adjustments to room and board payments for assisted living facility services, which have not been updated since 2009, ensuring recipients retain $200 monthly for personal needs

Directs savings from the program transfer to remain in the Big Sky Waiver program to serve over 300 aged and disabled individuals currently on the waiting list for home and community-based services

Appropriates $56,000 (50% state general fund, 50% federal) for FY 2026 to hire a contractor to draft waiver applications, update rules, and revise department policies

Establishes quarterly reporting requirements to the health and human services budget committee on enrollment, waiting list numbers, per-capita expenditures, and assisted living participation