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Follow the money for insurance corporation profits

by Monica Tranel
| December 15, 2024 12:00 AM

Montana hospitals depend on payments from Medicare and Medicaid to stay afloat. Rural hospitals are especially reliant on payment from Medicaid and Medicare. In Dillon, Barrett Hospital provides services for a 60+ mile radius. About 60% of Barrett’s patients use Medicaid.

Medicare provides services to more than 67 million people over 65 and some younger people with disabilities. It is a federal program that does not generate a profit. Medicaid is income based and funded jointly by state and federal governments. For example, in Montana Medicaid is available for single adults with incomes up to $20,782. Medicare and Medicaid cover hospital payments (Part A), medical care (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D).

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