Governor's Budget Shows Strong Support for NAMI Montana's Consistent Six and Montana State Hospital
December 16, 2024
Earlier this month, Governor Greg Gianforte released his proposed state budget. As with most biennial budgets, it is a large, multi-section document that requires careful review—and often additional legislative briefings—to fully understand the more nuanced provisions.
This year’s budget was especially complex because it incorporates recommendations and funding initiatives from the Behavioral Health Systems for Future Generations Commission (the “872 Commission”), alongside traditional agency requests.
After reviewing the full proposal, NAMI Montana is encouraged to see that the “Consistent Six” mental health priorities we have advocated for were well represented in the Governor’s budget.
What Are the “Consistent Six”?
The “Consistent Six” is a set of mental health service needs identified by:
the Montana Legislature during the most recent Interim, and
the 872 Commission through its statewide analysis.
The Governor’s budget includes funding or support for the following priorities:
Stabilize behavioral health care financing through Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
Expand forensic mental health evaluations
Strengthen school-based mental health care
Use acuity-based payments to help Montana clinicians serve youth at risk of being sent out of state
Expand group homes
Expand mental health crisis beds
Key Highlights
Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs)
We are especially excited to see support for stabilizing behavioral health care financing through the CCBHC model. Adoption of this model is critical to the long-term sustainability of Montana’s outpatient mental health and substance use treatment system.
NAMI Montana is also actively working on related CCBHC legislation this session with Representative Jane Gillette.
Montana State Hospital and Medicaid Expansion
Governor Gianforte’s budget also includes a significant funding increase for Montana State Hospital, addressing long-needed facility upgrades, as well as continued support for Medicaid Expansion.
We are still seeking additional clarity on the specific funding plan for mental health crisis beds, but overall these represent major and meaningful funding wins.
Take Action: Say Thank You
If you have a moment, please consider contacting Governor Gianforte to thank him for including funding for:
NAMI Montana’s Consistent Six
Medicaid Expansion
Montana State Hospital improvements
Contact Information
Phone: 406-444-3111
Web form: https://governor.mt.gov/contact/
Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.
Sincerely,
Matt Kuntz, JD, MHA
Executive Director
NAMI Montana