MONTANA
Planning
The different Medicaid programs within Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services issued several Olmstead plans during 2001. They include:
- Senior and Long-Term Care,
- Disability Services (includes Developmental Disabilities and Vocational Rehabilitation),
- Mental Health Services, and
- Basic Medicaid.
To create these plans, each division developed a task force consisting of consumers, legislators, advocates, family members, state staff and providers. Each program has a plan and an accompanying timetable. However, as a state official acknowledged, "Olmstead got put on the back burner because of the budget crisis."
Appropriations
The governor's office made across-the-board cuts. However, the division that administers programs for people with developmental disabilities did not fare as badly as some of other departments. Although there is still a large developmental disability waiting list for home and community-based services, the state was to close an institution (Eastmont), that currently cares for 30 residents, by December 31, 2003, in order to help balance the state budget. Most of these 30 residents, however, will be transferred to another institution. After Eastmont closes only one Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR), which serves about 90 people, will remain.
Next Steps
State officials expect bleak state revenues during the next fiscal year. Despite the budget, the disability services agency is hiring consultants to help it stabilize developmental disabilities provider rates between those in big counties and those in small counties. The agency hopes to provide more equity in the rates, so people with developmental disabilities can obtain services where they are available. |
