Post by Logan on Jan 26, 2016 23:32:52 GMT -6
HELENA — Montana officials said they have averted a massive financial shortfall that could have possibly erupted into a political and budgetary headache over the state's health care system.
Gov. Steve Bullock said Tuesday his budget officers originally projected a $12 million deficit last year for the Montana State Employee Health Plan. Instead, state officials squeezed out $2 million in savings — partly because of wider use of Montana's six state-run health clinics.
Without the cost savings, state officials say they would have had to dip into reserves — or increase insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Asking the Legislature for more money would not have been an immediate option because it is not in session this year.
The first of Montana's health centers opened in Helena in 2012 amid the national debate over revamping the country's health care system. The clinic, established under the administration of then-Gov. Brian Schweitzer, was heralded as the nation's first government-run health center.
Read more: billingsgazette.com/news/government-and-politics/montana-averts-huge-shortfall-for-health-care-system/article_a13f2e04-0a7a-5fd4-a81b-a38d9c4ebaad.html
Gov. Steve Bullock said Tuesday his budget officers originally projected a $12 million deficit last year for the Montana State Employee Health Plan. Instead, state officials squeezed out $2 million in savings — partly because of wider use of Montana's six state-run health clinics.
Without the cost savings, state officials say they would have had to dip into reserves — or increase insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Asking the Legislature for more money would not have been an immediate option because it is not in session this year.
The first of Montana's health centers opened in Helena in 2012 amid the national debate over revamping the country's health care system. The clinic, established under the administration of then-Gov. Brian Schweitzer, was heralded as the nation's first government-run health center.
Read more: billingsgazette.com/news/government-and-politics/montana-averts-huge-shortfall-for-health-care-system/article_a13f2e04-0a7a-5fd4-a81b-a38d9c4ebaad.html