UnitedHealth$$$$: Follow the Money

Montana hospitals depend on payments from Medicare and Medicaid to stay afloat. Rural hospitals are especially reliant on payment from Medicaid and Medicare. In Dillon, Barrett Hospital provides services for a 60+ mile radius. About 60% of Barrett’s patients use Medicaid.

Medicare provides services to more than 67 million people over 65 and some younger people with disabilities. It is a federal program that does not generate a profit. Medicaid is income based and funded jointly by state and federal governments. For example, in Montana Medicaid is available for single adults with incomes up to...