Press Release: Barrett Hospital & HealthCare Addresses National Medicaid Cuts and Local Impact
- Kelly Graham
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
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 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.