After state health department officials announced they would end all contracts with private companies that help people with developmental disabilities the agency is changing course. Now the department says the department will offer one contract, for the entire state.
Montana currently has four non-profit providers around the state that help people with developmental disabilities with everyday tasks. In December the agency said it needs to end those contracts in order to save $2.5 million, amid a state budget shortfall.
Earlier this month, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the companies tried to reach an agreement to maintain their contracts at a lower rate, but were unsuccessful.
Now the health department says its new plan will allow for a competitive bidding process between the four current providers, or a new one, for one contract to provide disability services for the entire state.
A spokesperson for the health department says the agency will submit the details of this plan to the Department of Administration soon, although an exact date was not given.
Copyright 2020 Montana Public Radio. To see more, visit Montana Public Radio. 9(MDIyMjUyODczMDE0NTMzMDcxODE2NTgwYQ000))
