Barrett Hospital & HealthCare Addresses National Medicaid Cuts And Local Impact

DILLON, Mont. — In response to recent developments on the national stage regarding

Medicaid funding, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare would like to reassure the local

community that the immediate impact of these changes on our services will be minimal.

On July 1, the U.S. Senate passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (H.R. 1), advancing

legislation that includes the most significant proposed cuts to Medicaid in history. The

American Hospital Association (AHA) has voiced deep concern over the bill’s potential to

displace nearly 12 million Americans from their healthcare coverage, increase hospital

uncompensated care, and strain healthcare systems nationwide—especially in rural areas.

However, while these sweeping federal changes are raising alarms across the country,

Barrett Hospital & HealthCare is confident in Montana’s current Medicaid structure.

Montana has a responsible and well-designed Medicaid program that aligns with both

existing and newly proposed federal requirements. While approximately 16% of

individuals within our service area are covered by Medicaid, only 10% of patients who

received care at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare in fiscal year 2025 were Medicaid

beneficiaries. This highlights a difference between overall community coverage and actual

utilization at our facility.

“While H.R.1 will impact healthcare nationwide, at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare we are

confident in our ability to continue to provide local healthcare, fulfilling our mission to the

community,” said Barrett Hospital & HealthCare’s CEO Taylor Rose. “Montana’s

provider tax program, which helps finance the state Medicaid program, remains under the

proposed cap and is not expected to be immediately impacted. Additionally, the state

Mission: Barrett Hospital & HealthCare is improving lives by providing local healthcare.

currently has systems in place to protect Medicaid patients from sudden or drastic

disruptions in coverage with new requirements from the federal level.”

The Montana Hospital Association (MHA) recently echoed this message in a June 30 letter

to state and federal lawmakers, emphasizing that while the bill presents long-term risks,

the structure of Montana’s Medicaid program continues to serve nearly 80,000 low-income,

working residents effectively. The state’s program is not only fiscally responsible but also

responsive to the needs of those it serves, with over 70% of Medicaid expansion

beneficiaries currently employed.

It is important to note, however, that further federal cuts beyond those currently proposed

could create downstream effects. Should such measures occur, it may force the state to

make difficult decisions about coverage, funding, and provider payments. Barrett Hospital

& HealthCare will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for our patients

and community.

“We remain committed to delivering high-quality care to all patients—regardless of

coverage,” said Taylor Rose. “Should federal changes evolve, our goal will always be to

ensure that our community members retain access to the healthcare they need and deserve.

We encourage the community to support Barrett Hospital & HealthCare by choosing local

providers, thus sustaining the continuation of local health care. Supporting our local

medical community helps ensure our services remain viable in the future.”

For more information about Medicaid in Montana or updates on the federal legislation,

please visit www.aha.org/medicaid.

For questions regarding your coverage please reach out to bhhsocials@barretthospital.org.