53-24-218. (Temporary) Chemical dependency treatment room and board voucher program -- eligibility -- provider and participant requirements. (1) Subject to available funding, the department shall establish a room and board voucher program to support chemical dependency treatment for individuals who would otherwise be unable to access the treatment in a timely manner because of financial barriers.

(2) An approved private or public treatment program that has applied for and been selected to participate in the voucher program may submit vouchers for reimbursement of chemical dependency treatment room and board not otherwise covered by insurance or another assistance program. The individual receiving voucher-eligible services must:

(a) live in Montana;

(b) be 14 years of age or older; and

(c) have an annual family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

(3) The voucher program may be used to cover the costs of room and board.

(4) An approved treatment program may apply to participate in the voucher program. If approved, the program remains eligible to participate for the full budget biennium during which approval was received unless the department terminates the program's participation for cause.

(5) A participating treatment program:

(a) may submit vouchers for payment of room and board provided to a qualifying individual as soon as costs are incurred if other payment sources are not immediately available;

(b) shall report any change in an individual's income or insurance status that makes the individual ineligible for further voucher payments;

(c) shall collect and report outcome measures as required by the department by rule; and

(d) shall keep records as required by the department to substantiate the cost of program-provided room and board. (Terminates June 30, 2027--sec. 7, Ch. 187, L. 2023.)