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Montana · How-To Guide

How do I find and access senior services?

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) - regional level / Montana DPHHS, Senior and Long Term Care Division (state level)
Details

What you need to know

Fee
Most services free or on sliding scale ONLINE OPTION: Yes - dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC; dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms; 211mt.org WHERE TO GO: Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Montana; DPHHS local office
Online Option
Yes - dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC; dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms; 211mt.org
Where to Go
Your regional AAA; local senior center; 2-1-1 Montana; DPHHS local office
County-specific variations apply

Montana's 10 AAAs serve different geographic regions but distances in Montana are enormous - many rural seniors in eastern Montana (Eastern Plains, Glacial Lands regions) must travel long distances for services. AAAs in the Billings, Great Falls, Missoula, and Bozeman areas have the most resources. Northwestern Montana (Flathead/Glacier region) and central Montana have varying service levels. Transportation is a particularly critical issue given Montana's geographic scale. Contact your specific regional AAA for local program enrollment.

Montana Notes

Important state-specific details

  • MONTANA SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): free Medicare counseling through DPHHS and AAAs - contact your regional AAA or call (800) 551-3191.
  • PASSPORT TO INDEPENDENCE WAIVER: Montana's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver - provides home-based services for qualifying seniors; apply through DPHHS at (800) 362-8312.
  • ELDERLY HOMEOWNER/RENTER CREDIT: income-based Montana income tax credit for residents 62+; file Form 2EZ or Schedule IV; may receive up to $1,150 for homeowners or $650 for renters; apply through Montana DOR.
  • PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: income-based; reduces taxable value for qualifying seniors; apply through Montana DOR at (406) 444-6900.
  • GEOGRAPHIC CHALLENGE: Montana is the 4th largest state with a very low population density - rural senior service access is a significant challenge; AAAs and 2-1-1 can help coordinate resources across distances.
  • Adult Protective Services (APS): report elder abuse through DPHHS APS - (406) 444-6909 or through 2-1-1.
  • Montana Legal Services Association: legal aid for low-income Montanans - (800) 666-6899.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Montana DPHHS, Senior and Long Term Care Division - dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC | 1-800-551-3191; Montana SHIP: (800) 551-3191; APS: (406) 444-6909; 2-1-1 Montana: dial 211