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Montana

Montana Medicaid Application Guide: Complete Coverage Information

Montana Medicaid ·

Content verified 2026-07-17T17:43:53.384Z

Medicaid Asset Protection & Spend-Down MilestonesGoverned Protocol
160-Month Lookback Guard

All asset transfers and gifts within 5 years are audited under state lookback statutes.

2Exempt vs. Countable Assets

Primary home equity, one vehicle, and personal effects remain protected under community spouse allowances.

3Miller Trust / QIT Path

Excess income in income-cap states is redirected into a Qualified Income Trust to preserve qualification.

Program overview

Montana Medicaid provides healthcare coverage for eligible low-income Montana residents through the state's expanded Medicaid program. Montana Medicaid and HMK Plus are healthcare benefits for eligible low-income Montanans. The program includes traditional Medicaid and Montana's expansion population under the HELP Plan, which extends coverage to adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Eligible individuals include low-income families, pregnant women, children, seniors, and adults without dependent children who meet income requirements. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has extended coverage to postpartum women. This change will now allow postpartum women enrolled in Montana's Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids Programs to be eligible for 12-month continuous coverage. Medicaid also covers individuals with disabilities and those requiring long-term care services.

Montana Medicaid covers essential health benefits including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, preventive care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. Passport is the primary care case management (PCCM) program for Montana Medicaid and HMK Plus members. The Passport programs support Medicaid and HMK Plus members, as well as providers, to establish a strong doctor/patient relationship and ensure the appropriate use of services. The program also includes specialized waiver services for individuals needing long-term care in community settings.

Applicants should be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation of income, household composition, and citizenship status. Contact the Offices of Public Assistance (OPA) for questions about applications and/or eligibility at 1-888-706-1535 The application process typically takes 15-45 business days, and coverage can begin up to three months prior to the application date if eligible. Be sure to report any changes in circumstances within 10 days to maintain continuous coverage.

Main application form

Montana Healthcare Coverage Application

Form

Where to submit

Submit applications online at apply.mt.gov, by phone at 1-888-706-1535, by mail to your county Office of Public Assistance, or by fax to 877-418-4533.

Read guide

Montana Medicaid provides healthcare coverage for eligible low-income residents through the state's expanded program. You can apply online at apply.mt.gov, by phone at 888-706-1535, or visit your local Office of Public Assistance. You'll need Social Security numbers, income documentation like pay stubs and W-2s, bank statements, and proof of Montana residency. The program covers essential health benefits including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and mental health services. Pregnant women receive 12 months of continuous coverage. Applications typically process within 15 to 45 business days. Coverage can begin up to three months before your application date if eligible. Contact Montana's Public Assistance Helpline for help with applications or questions about eligibility. Don't delay - apply today to secure your healthcare coverage.

Official resources

Related guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Montana Medicaid in Montana?

To apply for Montana Medicaid in Montana, complete Montana Healthcare Coverage Application, then submit it to Submit applications online at apply.mt.gov, by phone at 1-888-706-1535, by mail to your county Office of Public Assistance, or by fax to 877-418-4533..

What documents do I need to apply for Montana Medicaid in Montana?

You typically need to provide: Social Security numbers for all household members applying for coverage, Immigration documents (if applicable), Pay stubs for all employed household members, W-2 forms from the previous year, Bank statements from all accounts, Unemployment benefits documentation, Social Security Administration (SSA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) award letters, Self-employment tax returns or profit/loss statements, Proof of Montana residency, Birth certificates for all household members, Driver's license or state ID, Health insurance cards for any existing coverage.

Where do I submit my Montana Medicaid application in Montana?

Submit your completed Montana Medicaid application to Submit applications online at apply.mt.gov, by phone at 1-888-706-1535, by mail to your county Office of Public Assistance, or by fax to 877-418-4533..

Where can I find official information about Montana Medicaid in Montana?

Official information and application resources are available at Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: https://dphhs.mt.gov/

How we research and verify this information

Our team compiles this listing from public records and provider data, and reviews it against authoritative sources. Read our editorial standards and research methodology.

Editorial review by John Richie, Senior Care Research Editor.

The Care Decision Podcast · Episode 2 & Printable Cost Checklists

Real Care Cost Breakdown: Audio Guide & Printable Tour Checklists

Base rent is rarely the final monthly invoice. Stream Episode 2 (19 min) or click either reference card below to zoom, save, or print our tour pricing checklist and 3-bucket invoice funding blueprint.

The Care Decision podcast cover art

Episode 02 · 19:21 · Hosted by Maya & Daniel

What Does Memory Care Actually Cost?

Assisted living base rent ($5,900–$6,250/mo) vs. memory care ($6,500–$8,500+/mo), level-of-care add-ons, and tour questions.

Tour Pricing Checklist · Ep 2 Assisted Living vs. Memory Care Cost Breakdown (Ep 2)
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Funding Stack Blueprint · Ep 3 The 3-Bucket Invoice Split ($6,200/mo Gap · Ep 3)
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📝 Open Interactive 5-Question Facility Tour Worksheet & 24-Month Calculator (Printable) Expand ↓
Interactive Facility Tour Scorecard

5-Question Tour Worksheet & 24-Month Survival Calculator

Fill in the numbers quoted during your tour to calculate the 2-year total at the next care tier up, then print a 1-page scorecard.

Day-1 Monthly (Base + Meds)

$7,140/mo

Year-2 Monthly (Next Tier Up)

$8,390/mo

24-Month Total at Next Tier Up

$199,774

🧮 Open Interactive 3-Bucket Monthly Gap & Six-Doors Benefit Calculator (Ep 3 · Printable) Expand ↓
Interactive 3-Bucket Funding Stack · Ep 3

3-Bucket Monthly Gap & Six-Doors Benefit Stacker

Split the community quote into Room & Board (Bucket 1) and Personal Care/ADLs (Bucket 2) to see how Social Security, VA Aid & Attendance, LTC insurance, and state Medicaid HCBS waivers reduce your net monthly gap.

Net Monthly Family Gap (After Benefits)

$4,129/mo

Total Invoice: $6,200/mo · Covered: $2,071/mo

90-Day Elimination / Approval Bridge

$12,387

Home Care + Adult Day pacing ($3,120/mo) saves $9,240 over 90d

24-Month Net Family Out-of-Pocket

$99,096

Bucket 3 Clinical & Part D ($2,400 Rx cap) stays on Medicare

Card 1 / 1

Printable Family Reference Card

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