Montana Legislature approves Medicaid expansion plan

HELENA – The Montana state Legislature passed a bill expanding Medicaid eligibility to about 70,000 low-income residents.

The bill approved Saturday heads to Gov. Steve Bullock, who is expected to sign it into law.

Bullock issued a statement applauding passage of the measure, saying he’s glad politics could be put aside on behalf of the health of state residents and the economies of rural towns.

Republican Sen. Ed Buttrey of Great Falls brought the measure after the governor’s proposal to expand Medicaid failed. He calls it compromise, as it would require enrollees to pay premiums and copays.