Policy and Advocacy

2027 MTCHWA Policy Agenda: Coming Soon

MTCHWA convenes a Policy Committee led by the MTCHWA Policy Chair. If you are interested in joining the Committee, please email admin@mtchw.org. The Policy Committee will develop MTCHWA’s 2027 policy agenda and share opportunities for MTCHWA members to get involved in important local, state and federal issues.

In the 2025 legislative Session, House Bill 850, sponsored by Representative Ed Buttrey, was the first CHW bill in Montana to seek licensure and Medicaid reimbursement for CHWs.

The bill was well supported by both chambers, had bi-partisan support and community support.

The bill was vetoed by Governor Gianforte.

At the July 2026 Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Subcommittee on Healthcare Licensure, a recommendation to create a ‘Healing Arts’ Licensure program and include CHWs was put forth.

MTCHWA is working to determine next steps.

We will use this space to share how you can get involved in state legislation important to community health workers.