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Montana coronavirus report

The latest news and information on the coronavirus pandemic in Montana, including updated case count maps and original in-depth reporting.

by MTFP Staff

Latest health Reporting

Lawmakers reject extra vetting for public assistance programs

Senate Bill 100 was tabled with bipartisan support after months of focused opposition.

A bill that could have interrupted health care coverage for thousands of low-income Montanans, and would have added additional hurdles for people enrolled in public assistance programs, was tabled in a House committee on Monday with bipartisan support.

by Mara Silvers

How and where to get stuck

Montana’s overstretched counties and tribal governments have developed a mishmash of policies and plans that require ingenuity and mutual support to work. A reporting project by KHN, Montana Free Press and the University of Montana School of Journalism finds the biggest test of that disparate system looms as vaccine eligibility expands. PLUS: a county-by-county guide to vaccine availability in Montana.

A reporting project by KHN, Montana Free Press and the University of Montana School of Journalism finds the biggest test of that disparate system looms as vaccine eligibility expands.

by Katheryn Houghton

This week in Helena, March 22-26

A roundup of the week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from the budget to education to birth certificates.

A roundup of this week’s key action in the 67th Montana Legislature, from the budget to education to birth certificates.

by Alex Sakariassen and MTFP Staff

MORE HEALTH COVERAGE

Telehealth’s growing pains

Telehealth is booming. But with the boom come unintended consequences, including conflicts between out-of-state and in-state health providers, a rise in fraud, and potential access problems for vulnerable groups.

by Matt Volz, Kaiser Health News

Lawmakers try again to deny medical treatments to trans youth

For the second time this session, lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee have forwarded a bill that would prohibit certain kinds of medical treatment for transgender and nonbinary youth. The proposal, which passed nearly along party lines, was the subject of emotional and frustrated testimony on Monday from parents, medical providers and advocates.

by Mara Silvers

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MORE HEALTH REPORTING

Can Montana get a grip on addiction?

Gov. Gianforte says substance abuse is a crisis with ‘devastating consequences.’ His HEART Fund aims to improve perennial shortcomings in care. Health care experts see plenty of promise — and pitfalls.

HB 113 narrowly fails final House vote

One day after House Bill 113 survived intense debate and a major vote on the House floor, the proposal failed to clear a procedural vote Tuesday after five Republicans reversed their stances, making the final vote count 49 in favor, 51 opposed. Advocates for transgender rights hailed the change as a significant win.

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