Executive Order 13-03

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER CREATING THE GOVERNOR'S PUBLIC HEALTH CARE ADVISORY COUNCIL

WHEREAS,  the State of Montana has a responsibility to ensure access to basic health care services for Montanans most in need; and

WHEREAS, rising health care costs, expanded use of services, and increased enrollment in the Montana Medicaid program, the Mental Health Services Plan, the state Children's Health Insurance Program, and other health programs administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services have resulted in increased costs to the State of Montana; and

WHEREAS, federal regulations limit the discretion that states have in the administration of the Medicaid program, and mandate certain health care services be provided and specific groups automatically eligible for Medicaid; and

WHEREAS, states have the authority to apply to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for waivers of certain federal requirements; and

WHEREAS, Montana's seven federally recognized American Indian tribes play a critical role in the development of health care policy in Montana, and

WHEREAS, it is essential that the Legislature be informed about alternative approaches to make public policy decisions regarding the design of the Montana Medicaid program, the Mental Health Services Plan, the state Children's Health Insurance Program, and other health programs administered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.

NOW, THEREFORE, I JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, by virtue of the authority vested in me pursuant to the Montana Constitution and the laws of the State of Montana, do hereby create the Governor's Public Health Care Advisory Council (the "Council"), in accordance with the provisions of Section 2-15-122 and 2-15-102(8), MCA, for the purposes set forth below.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Council shall be to assist and advise the Governor and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (the "DPHHS") on public policy issues.  Further, the Council shall work in concert with DPHHS to fulfill the requirements of House Joint Resolution 13 passed during the 2003 Montana Legislature.  Specifically, the Council shall advise the Governor and the DPHHS on issues including, but not limited to:

1.   Advise in the preparation of a report outlining various options for the Medicaid program--to include the Mental Health Services Plan, the state Children's Health Insurance Program, and other health programs administered by the Department.

2.   Advise in regard to study updates on a regular basis to the Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Interim Committee and to the Legislative Finance Committee. Such information should include costs (economic and social) associated with various options for redesign of these programs and a cost analysis for urban Indian health clinics and tribal-based health clinics.

COMPOSITION:

The Council shall be comprised of not more than 18 members who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The names and addresses of the members are to be submitted to the Secretary of State. 

ADMINISTERING AGENCY:

The DPHHS is designated as the organizational unit responsible for the administration and management of the Council.

DURATION:

This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2004, unless extended or terminated by subsequent Executive Order.