Montana Health Care Head Visits Valley County

Monica J. Lindeen, Montana's Commissioner of Securities & Insurance from the State Auditor's Office, stopped in Glasgow last Wednesday, Sept. 30, as part of a visibility tour through the eastern part of the state. 

"We make a point to come out here and pay a visit," says Lindeen. A seven-year incumbent, Linden counts this trip as her second foray in two-plus years out from the mountain shadows of the west onto the prairie.

While in Valley County, Lindeen went to Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital to talk to its staff about changes in the Montana healthcare system scheduled to take effect in the upcoming calendar year.

Of particular note, says Lindeen, are rising rates in the individual insurance market. Lindeen predicts 41,000 Montanans will experience a hike in their premium when December withers and bears a newborn January from its ashes. She also relays that for many, the looming increase could be allayed with a modicum of systemic knowledge and minimal effort. 

"Most of those who will be affected would experience no increase or a small increase if they knew to take advantage of tax credits," she said. "A lot of folks don't realize that they can call our office if they have an issue with their insurance provider," and that this call can be made in lieu of hiring an attorney. Lindeen's office has returned $6 million in claims paid in 2015. Claims, that is, that were initially denied, were paid due to her and her colleagues' intervention.

A significant portion of Lindeen's time is spent enlightening people to the ins and outs of an amorphous system, a duty she relishes. 

"Absolutely that's a big part of what I do," she said. "Regulating, educating, offering the office as a resource - I encourage folks to call us at 800-332-6148, and also to visit the website, montanahealthanswers.com. There's lots of useful info there, lots of resources to use."