Governor Bullock Announces
Millions of Taxpayer Dollars Saved Through Changes to Montana State Employee
Health Plan
HELENA, MT – Today Governor
Steve Bullock was joined by Sheila Hogan, Director of the Department of
Administration and Dan Villa, Budget Director to highlight millions of taxpayer
dollars saved and advancements in health outcomes resulting from innovative
changes to the Montana State Employee Health Plan.
“Saving Montana’s taxpayers
millions of dollars while improving the healthcare of our state employees is a
win-win,” said Governor Bullock. “I applaud the progress made this past
year improving the ways we approach the State Employee Health Plan and focusing
on long-term, balanced solutions that will pave the way to even more cost savings
in the future.”
The Governor highlighted
steps taken by the Department of Administration to turn a $12 million projected
shortfall in 2015 into $2 million cost savings, a $14 million turnaround.
These steps include:
· Increasing contract efficiencies and
reducing overlap of services;
· Moving the state’s data services to
its internal IT team, savings the costs associated with an external data
warehouse;
· Working with the State Health
Centers to increase member use for primary care services; including an
educational campaign to encourage and inform members about the services and
access provided by the health centers; and
· Contracting with Allegiance, a
Montana-based company, to serve as the state’s new health care partner, which
resulted in a 24% reduction in administrative fees.
“We will continue to strive
to find ways of preserving the plan’s financial wellness while securing quality
and affordable care,” said Director Hogan. “I’m proud of the work the
State of Montana has done to work together with its plan members, providers,
vendors, and the State Employee Group Benefits Advisory Council to implement
meaningful healthcare solutions.”
