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Governor Gianforte SNAP Junk Food Restriction Waiver Submission

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte submitted a waiver request to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to restrict SNAP purchases to nutritious foods, limiting purchases of soft drinks, candy, and junk food. The proposed demonstration project targets approximately 20 percent of SNAP spending currently used on unhealthy items and aligns Montana with 22 other states. The waiver introduces restrictions on beverages exceeding 10 grams of sugar per 8 ounces and establishes a standardized definition for candy and prepared desserts.

Rural Health Center of Excellence RFP

Montana DPHHS announced it is accepting proposals for two components of the Rural Health Center of Excellence (CoE): one to create and operate the CoE, and another to assist rural facilities in implementing CoE recommendations. The CoE is part of the Rural Health Transformation Program funded by a $233 million first-year CMS award, with up to $1.2 billion available over five years.

Montana Medicaid Community Engagement Resource Website Launch

DPHHS launched a new website at medicaidchanges.mt.gov to help Montana Medicaid Expansion members understand upcoming community engagement requirements effective July 1, 2026. Under H.R. 1 (enacted July 4, 2025), non-exempt adults aged 19-64 must complete 80 hours of qualifying activities per month to maintain coverage. DPHHS is conducting outreach via mail to affected members.