News
October 04, 2025
Shutdown to have ‘devastating consequences,’ Montana nurses say
The Montana Nurses Association said the failure to extend subsidies through the Affordable Care Act and protect funding for Medicaid in the federal shutdown will have “devastating consequences” for families and communities in the state.
**Shutdown to have ‘devastating consequences,’ Montana nurses say**
HELENA, MT – The potential federal government shutdown is raising serious concerns among Montana's healthcare professionals. The Montana Nurses Association (MNA) has issued a stark warning, stating that a shutdown, particularly if it includes the failure to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and protect Medicaid funding, will inflict "devastating consequences" on families and communities across the state.
The MNA emphasized the crucial role that ACA subsidies play in ensuring Montanans can afford health insurance. These subsidies help lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making healthcare accessible for individuals and families who might otherwise go uninsured. Without these subsidies, many Montanans could face significantly higher healthcare expenses, potentially forcing them to forgo necessary medical care, preventative screenings, and prescription medications. This, in turn, could lead to worsening health outcomes and increased strain on the state's healthcare system.
Furthermore, the MNA highlighted the critical importance of Medicaid funding for Montana. Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. A federal shutdown that disrupts or reduces Medicaid funding would directly impact access to healthcare for a significant portion of Montana's population, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Nurses, who are on the front lines of healthcare delivery, are deeply concerned about the potential ripple effects of a shutdown. They anticipate an increase in uninsured patients seeking care in emergency rooms, putting a strain on hospital resources and potentially leading to delays in care for all patients. They also fear a rise in preventable illnesses and chronic conditions due to lack of access to affordable healthcare.
The MNA is urging lawmakers to prioritize the health and well-being of Montanans by ensuring the continuation of ACA subsidies and the protection of Medicaid funding. They stress that a responsible budget is one that safeguards access to essential healthcare services for all residents of the state. The association plans to continue advocating for policies that support a healthy Montana and prevent the devastating consequences they foresee as a result of a federal shutdown.
HELENA, MT – The potential federal government shutdown is raising serious concerns among Montana's healthcare professionals. The Montana Nurses Association (MNA) has issued a stark warning, stating that a shutdown, particularly if it includes the failure to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and protect Medicaid funding, will inflict "devastating consequences" on families and communities across the state.
The MNA emphasized the crucial role that ACA subsidies play in ensuring Montanans can afford health insurance. These subsidies help lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making healthcare accessible for individuals and families who might otherwise go uninsured. Without these subsidies, many Montanans could face significantly higher healthcare expenses, potentially forcing them to forgo necessary medical care, preventative screenings, and prescription medications. This, in turn, could lead to worsening health outcomes and increased strain on the state's healthcare system.
Furthermore, the MNA highlighted the critical importance of Medicaid funding for Montana. Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals, families, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. A federal shutdown that disrupts or reduces Medicaid funding would directly impact access to healthcare for a significant portion of Montana's population, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
Nurses, who are on the front lines of healthcare delivery, are deeply concerned about the potential ripple effects of a shutdown. They anticipate an increase in uninsured patients seeking care in emergency rooms, putting a strain on hospital resources and potentially leading to delays in care for all patients. They also fear a rise in preventable illnesses and chronic conditions due to lack of access to affordable healthcare.
The MNA is urging lawmakers to prioritize the health and well-being of Montanans by ensuring the continuation of ACA subsidies and the protection of Medicaid funding. They stress that a responsible budget is one that safeguards access to essential healthcare services for all residents of the state. The association plans to continue advocating for policies that support a healthy Montana and prevent the devastating consequences they foresee as a result of a federal shutdown.
Category:
Politics