MT SB72

Establishes presumptive eligibility under Montana Medicaid for home and community-based services for persons with physical disabilities or elderly persons, covering services under the Big Sky waiver program and Community First Choice program to prevent institutionalization or transition patients from hospitals

Screening may be conducted by the department's long-term care division or certified entities including area agencies on aging, tribal entities, hospitals, or other department-approved organizations, with annual certification renewal required

Applicants must complete a department application, self-attest to meeting income/resource/residency requirements, and undergo a functional assessment; full Medicaid application must be submitted within 30 calendar days of presumptive eligibility determination

Presumptive eligibility period runs from screening completion until either ongoing Medicaid eligibility is determined or the end of the following month, whichever comes first; individuals may only receive services through presumptive eligibility once per 12-month period

Implementation is contingent on CMS approval of the appropriate Section 1115 waiver, Section 1915(k) state plan amendment, or other state plan amendment