Insurance Commissioner Lindeen On Montana Health Issues [AUDIO]

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen announced on Wednesday that Montana is one of four states to participate in a new health care model.

The National Academy for State Health Policy, a national non-profit organization, has selected Montana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to receive assistance in continuing to establish “patient-centered medical homes” – a team-based approach to patient care long known to improve health and lower costs.

Lindeen says the "home” does not refer to an actual place, but a team of health professionals led by a primary care provider. Together, the team coordinates all aspects of patient care, relieving stress on the primary care provider and using the entire team to its full potential. Patients build a personal relationship with one provider who oversees all care – including coordination.

Lindeen also hopes, since the Montana legislature failed to institute its own health care exchange, that the mandatory federal exchange will take the rural nature of Montana into consideration when setting policies.

She also hopes this legislature will pass a bill giving her office the power to regulate how health insurance companies raise their rates.

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica Lindeen