A Montana Plan for Security

Neill Proposes Family Insurance Act to Strengthen Montana Families and Rural Healthcare

Livingston, MT – U.S. Senate candidate Reilly Neill announced her proposal of the Family Insurance Act, legislation that would allow children to remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 35. The proposal is designed to lower medical debt, protect families during critical life stages, and provide stability for rural hospitals across Montana.

“If corporations can keep kids on cell phone family plans until age 35, we can do the same with health coverage,” Neill said.

“Families should not face financial ruin simply because a child turns 27,” Neill said. “Montanans deserve security, stability, and leadership that puts people before politics. The Family Insurance Act is a Montana plan that strengthens families, supports rural hospitals, reduces medical debt and is a natural next step on the path to universal healthcare.”

Currently, dependent coverage on family health insurance ends at age 26. The Family Insurance Act would extend that coverage until age 35 across all group and individual health insurance plans.

Neill explained that the measure is simple to implement because insurance providers already manage dependent coverage. Transition costs are minimal and the policy is expected to be budget neutral while improving health outcomes.

Benefits of the Family Insurance Act:

• Families: Extended coverage reduces medical debt, prevents bankruptcies, and provides peace of mind during the years when young adults are building careers, finishing education, and raising families.

• Hospitals: More Montanans insured means less uncompensated care, which helps keep rural hospitals open.

• Taxpayers: Fewer gaps in coverage ease pressure on Medicaid and reduce costs for the federal government.

Neill emphasized that the proposal is rooted in Montana values.

“A strong family is the backbone of a strong state. Montana families have always pulled together to weather hard times. This plan makes sure families have the coverage they need so that no one falls through the cracks during the years that matter most,” she said.

Rural healthcare systems face significant strain. Medicaid cuts threaten hospitals across the state, from Miles City to Kalispell. Neill’s proposal would provide critical relief by keeping more people insured and reducing reliance on emergency care.

“Montana deserves a Senator who will listen, lead, and deliver real solutions,” Neill said. “The Family Insurance Act is common sense. It is affordable, practical, and designed for Montana families. I'm proud to bring this forward.”

Congressional Budget Office Expectations:

• Coverage up. More young adults insured reduces gaps that put families at risk.

• Costs stable. Insurers already manage dependent coverage, and adding more young adults strengthens insurance pools.

• Modest federal budget impact. Federal costs remain low because most coverage will come through employer-sponsored insurance. Fewer gaps reduce strain on Medicaid and premium tax credits.

• Implementation simple. The system is already in place. Extending the age limit requires minor adjustments with minimal transition costs.

Neill noted that she is already working with Congressional offices to introduce the Act.

“This is common sense. It is affordable, practical, and designed for Montana families. It is also the necessary groundwork for universal healthcare, which will provide every American with the coverage they deserve."

For more information, email info@reillyformontana.com.