Governor announces uninsured Montanans to receive coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment

Press release

HELENA — Gov. Steve Bullock announced Tuesday that uninsured Montanans, who receive a recommendation from a provider, will be eligible to receive coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

“This is a significant step in containing the spread of coronavirus in our state. We know that the lack of health insurance often results in the delay of seeing a doctor or being turned away, which could further fuel this pandemic and put other Montanans at risk,” Bullock said. “It’s going to take all of us working together to slow the spread, and that includes looking out for those who don’t have health insurance, particularly those most vulnerable.”

Under the governor’s emergency authority, state funds, with potential for federal funds, will be used to pay for COVID-19 testing for Montanans without health insurance. If confirmed positive for COVID-19, funds will be used to cover treatment costs. Montanans will be required to provide a recommendation from a provider according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and the state will reimburse them for that provider visit.

Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP recipients are currently eligible for coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

The option will be available to uninsured Montanans starting Monday, March 23. To access the new emergency assistance, Montanans should call 406-444-7605 or email [email protected] .

An estimated 8.6 percent of Montanans are uninsured.