BEFORE THE Department of Public

health and human services of the

STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 37.81.304 pertaining to maximum Big Sky Rx premium change

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NOTICE OF AMENDMENT

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

1. On October 14, 2016, the Department of Public Health and Human Services published MAR Notice No. 37-774 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed amendment of the above-stated rule at page 1802 of the 2016 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 19.

 

2. The department has amended the above-stated rule as proposed.

 

3. The department has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received. A summary of the comments received and the department's responses are as follows:

 

COMMENT #1: A commenter supports the proposed rule but questions where the department will secure the additional funding needed to cover the cost of increasing this benefit and questions if funding comes from cost savings in other areas or from other sources.

 

RESPONSE #1: The department appreciates the support for increasing the premium benefit. The funding for Big Sky Rx comes from the Montana Tobacco Sales Tax Initiative (I-149) and the increase in the monthly premium is within the appropriation of the program. There is no impact on other programs due to the increase in premium.

 

          4. These rule amendments are effective January 1, 2017.

 

 

 

/s/ Brenda K. Elias                                 /s/ Richard H. Opper                            

Brenda K. Elias, Attorney                       Richard H. Opper, Director

Rule Reviewer                                       Public Health and Human Services

 

         

Certified to the Secretary of State December 12, 2016.