Gianforte and his Medicaid Redetermination process failures are blamed for budget cuts and job loss at critical health center

Helena, MT –Recent news of budget cuts and a staggering 29 layoffs at RiverStone Health highlight the ripple effects of Governor Greg Gianforte and his Department of Public Health and Human Resources’ (DPHHS) disastrous handling of the state’s Medicaid redetermination process.

Last week RiverStone Health, a not-for-profit health care provider serving Billings and Yellowstone County, reported a loss of more than $3 million in Medicaid revenue for this fiscal year, forcing the state’s largest public health provider to lay off 9% of their workforce and reduce their budget.

"Billionaire Greg Gianforte raised property taxes, then stripped health care from 133,000 Montanans, including 36,000 kids, then tried to claim his anti-family, pro-sickness scheme is 'working as intended,'" said Democratic governor candidate Ryan Busse. "Now our New Jersey governor is responsible for these additional cuts to health care, fewer jobs, higher costs, and more red tape. No wonder 63 percent of Montanans don't approve of his failed job."

“Gov. Greg Gianforte’s healthcare crisis is not only kicking tens of thousands of Montana kids, seniors, and Native Americans off their health insurance, but it’s also costing jobs and stretching the state’s healthcare system thin,” said Executive Director of the Montana Democratic Party Sheila Hogan.“Gianforte’s administrative failures are sending shockwaves through our entire state’s public health system, and it’s affecting all of us.”

Montana’s Democrats will continue fighting to ensure all Montanans have access to the care they need.