Medicaid cuts

Montana was on track to start reimbursing doulas, who support new and expectant parents, through Medicaid this year. But state officials halted that plan amid a budget shortfall. Other such services deemed optional under Medicaid are at risk nationwide as states brace for federal cuts.

The new tax policy was implemented as part of the Big Beautiful Bill passed in 2025 alongside other Trump administration initiatives like “no tax on tips.”

State officials have set five-year benchmarks for the program, including a 10% reduction in emergency room visits, a 10% reduction in uncontrolled hypertension, a 5% reduction in low birth weight and a 5-10% increase in the use of pharmacotherapy to treat opioid use disorder.