Guest Commentary:

Montana physicians know that collaborative healthcare and working together as a team produces the best and most efficient patient outcomes. The patient is at the center of everything a physician does. Physician leaders of the Montana Medical Association are asking legislators and other state leaders to follow such a collaborative approach as we begin the second half of the legislative session, keeping it Montanan-centered. It is the opportune time to work together, as a team, to produce the best and most effective outcome for all Montanans.

The Montana Medical Assocation believes that meaningful health coverage expansion is the right outcome for Montana. This can be achieved by our Montana legislators who, in the past, have demonstrated the ability to work together and across the aisle to do what is best for Montana. We ask that such a pooling of efforts happen again to pass legislation to provide health coverage to the thousands of needy Montanans who are not eligible for Medicaid and those that are too poor to receive a federal subsidy to make health insurance affordable.

As physicians, we know firsthand that people without health insurance coverage do not seek medical care early enough from the right health care provider to receive the most effective care. We also know the importance of patient engagement in their healthcare decisions. Neighbors without health insurance are much less likely to have a usual source of care, are more likely to use the emergency room and are likely to have higher levels of medical debt. Having health insurance changes all of this.

Physicians also share the concerns that the solution be affordable and sustainable for the state of Montana. This includes a pathway to reform and relief for taxpayers and those insured that carry the unnecessary burden of paying the costs of care for the uninsured. Expanding health insurance coverage is an investment that has a payback for all Montanans. It will create thousands of new, high-paying jobs for Montana. As newly insured individuals access medical care, they will be able to manage their health better, keeping minor health issues from becoming major issues. Uncompensated care will decrease and the ability to keep doors open to medical services locally will improve.

This program has the potential to be one of the best financial investments we will ever make, not to mention the improvements in life expectancy and quality of life that would result. Our Montana Medical Association physician members have a strong commitment to providing needed medical care to all Montanans. We know our lawmakers and state leaders are equally committed to the citizens of Montana. Please join us to encourage these leaders to step forward, work as a team and demonstrate their commitment to Montanans by taking action to find a comprehensive solution.

—Carter Beck, M.D. is the president of the Montana Medical Association