Gov. Gianforte Announces Launch of Program to Support Previously Incarcerated Individuals with Behavioral Health Needs

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Joined by Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton and Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Brian Gootkin, Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the launch of the Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) Initiative Reentry Program following approval from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The new program provides targeted behavioral health support to previously incarcerated individuals with the goal of ensuring their successful transition back into the community.

"This initiative represents our continued commitment to ensuring incarcerated Montanans can fully and successfully reintegrate into the community," Governor Gianforte said. "By offering sustained support to those with behavioral health needs, we are working to give Montanans the help they need to rebuild their lives after exiting the correctional system."

In 2024, the governor announced CMS approved a waiver sought by DPHHS to provide three new Medicaid funded behavioral health services for Montanans as a part of the HEART Initiative. The HEART Initiative was introduced by Gov. Gianforte in his first week in office and invests state and federal funding to expand treatment and recovery services for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

The new program launched today provides a targeted set of Medicaid services to eligible individuals with behavioral health needs starting 30 days before their release from incarceration. This proactive support is designed to bridge the gap between correctional and community-based care.

"We know that unmet behavioral health needs contribute to cycles of incarceration, leading to the shared interest from DPHHS and DOC in this initiative," Dir. Brereton said. "This program allows us to proactively connect individuals to care to improve their chances of success post-incarceration. It's a smart, preventive investment that will benefit Montana communities."

Previously incarcerated individuals face an alarmingly high risk of overdose, hospitalization, and crisis in the weeks immediately following their release. The HEART Reentry Program directly reduces these risks by ensuring improved continuity of care and treatment.

In collaboration with community-based case managers, the program will be administered by DPHHS and DOC wherein the departments will identify and enroll eligible individuals in services ahead of their scheduled prison release dates. Individuals with behavioral health conditions nearing release from a state prison will receive comprehensive services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), case management to plan and coordinate services in the community, community-based clinical consultation as needed, and a 30-day supply of medication in hand upon discharge.

Beginning case management with a community provider before release enables the individual to establish a relationship with a community-based provider to help them navigate the transition. This provider will continue to support the individual after discharge, helping them secure stability and maintain treatment as they reenter the community.

"It is our mission to rehabilitate and empower the people under our supervision by providing them with the tools to successfully return to Montana communities," said Dir. Gootkin. "This investment in their overall well-being through the HEART Initiative delivers much-needed support during a critical time as they set the framework for a future beyond the cycle of incarceration."

Other services approved by CMS under HEART include tenancy supports, short-term inpatient and residential substance use disorder treatment in larger facilities, and the forthcoming contingency management service, the most effective evidence-based treatment for stimulant use disorder.

The program announced today comes as the State of Montana has prioritized workforce supports for previously incarcerated individuals. Earlier this year, the Montana Legislature passed and the governor signed into law House Bill 718, which established an Office of Reentry at the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. The office will play a key role in the governor's 406 JOBS initiative, re-engaging individuals of prime working age who have exited the workforce.

For more information about the program and eligibility criteria, see here .

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