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The Montana Independent Record is reporting that state-subsidized health insurance for Montana smallest businesses is underway. The state’s largest health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana signed a contract Thursday to provide new policies for uninsured businesses and their workers.
State Auditor John Morrison is estimating that the program can help finance employee health insurance for as many as 350 businesses this year, each with two to five workers.
The health insurance program entitled Insure Montana has two parts:
– Direct state subsidies for small business owners and their employees, to help pay the cost of health insurance for those who previously had no insurance.
– A state income-tax credit for small businesses that already provide health insurance for their workers. It’s offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and Morrison estimates the money will finance 435 businesses this year.
Those interested in the program can visit the auditor’s Web site at www.sao.mt.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-332-6148 or, in Helena, 444-2040.
