The Republicans, who control majorities at the Montana legislature, have pushed most of the proposed bills through the House. They now await votes in the Senate, where the GOP has a 28-22 lead. The Senate also has been passing bills to block or undercut implementation of the federal health reform law in Montana.
Significant proposed legislation includes the following:
• State income tax credits or deductions for individuals who buy private insurance, as well as for businesses that help workers finance high-deductible policies.
• Allowing health savings account holders to deposit more money, tax-free, into their accounts.
• Protecting providers from liability to reduce malpractice insurance and decrease the practice of defensive medicine.
• Allowing the creation of healthcare ministries, religious organizations where members share healthcare costs.
Read the Missoulian State Bureau report on health reform.
Read more on health reform:
–As States Shift to GOP, Reform Implementation Changes Course
–New Bills Would Repeal Ban on Physician-Owned Hospitals
