Introduction:
Making sense of the costs associated with senior care, such as assisted living, home care, and adult day care, can be difficult. This holds particularly true since costs may vary greatly across geographic regions within a state. This webpage will assist Montana residents in understanding these costs, as well as becoming familiar with specific programs that provide financial and senior care assistance.
The programs found below encompass all of the programs the state of Montana has to offer. That being said, there are also a number of senior care assistance programs available that are not funded by the state. These include privately funded, locally funded, and federally funded programs. When searching for programs that aid in elderly care, it is extremely important to consider all options. Our free Resource Locator Tool, which is simple and free to use, can assist you in this search.
Montana Eldercare Costs for 2024
Assisted Living / Memory Care
As of 2024, according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of residing in an assisted living facility in Montana is $4,908 / month. Compared to the nationwide average cost of $5,350 / month, assisted living in Montana is slightly more affordable than many other locations within the United States. The area of Billings has a higher average monthly cost of $6,204.
Some assisted living facilities have Memory Care units, otherwise known as Alzheimer’s Care, which provide a higher degree of care and security for seniors with dementia. One should expect to pay an additional 20% – 30% more.
Home Care
In Montana, in 2024, the average rate for in-home care (non-medical) is $50 an hour statewide per Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey. In Billings, the cost is much lower at $24 an hour.
Adult Day Care
The cost of adult day care in Montana fluctuates greatly depending on where in the state one resides. As of 2024, Genworth’s Cost of Care Surve indicates that the average daily cost throughout the state is $159.
Montana Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly
This waiver is intended for seniors and disabled residents who are in need of a nursing home level of care. Services can be received in an individual’s home, an adult foster care home, or in an assisted living facility, and includes personal assistance, homemaker services, adult day health care, and home modifications. This waiver also allows for self-direction of care services, allowing waiver participants to hire the personal care attendant of their choice, including select family members. Click the above link for additional information and eligibility requirements.
Under this program, eligible applicants are able to receive assistance with activities of daily living — such as bathing, dressing and eating — homemaker services, and personal emergency response systems. One can elect to hire the personal caregiver of their choosing, which includes certain relatives. To learn more, click on the above link.
Medicaid Eligibility
In order to qualify for Medicaid in the state of Montana, seniors must have income and assets that do not exceed a set amount. As of 2024, a single applicant is limited to an income that is equivalent to 100% of the Federal Benefit Rate (FRB), which is currently set at $943 a month. However, the state does allow “Medically Needy” individuals to still qualify for Medicaid after spending down their income on medical expenses. This is often referred to as a “spend down” program.
The asset limit for single elderly Montana residents is $2,000, but excludes one’s home, limited to an equity interest value of $713,000, a vehicle, and burial plot. If one is over the asset limit, it is critical that assets not be given away or sold very cheaply to meet Medicaid’s asset limit. Doing so violates Medicaid’s Look-Back Period and can result in Medicaid ineligibility for a period of time.
Income and asset limits vary based on one’s marital status and if one’s spouse is also applying for Medicaid. If one is married or over the asset and / or income limit(s), it is highly suggested one consult a Medicaid planner prior to applying for Medicaid. It is likely by doing so, families may still be able to gain Medicaid eligibility, as Medicaid planners are knowledgeable in restructuring finances in order to meet the financial limits.
Montana Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
In addition to the Medicaid programs that Montana offers, there is one non-Medicaid program available to Montana residents: The Big Sky Rx Program. While this program doesn’t directly help to cover the cost of senior care, it does help to cover the cost of prescription drugs by providing financial assistance for Medicare Part D premiums. Therefore, it frees up money that could in turn be used towards paying for elderly care. Click on the above link to learn more about the Rx program.
Other Financial Options for Care
In addition to the state specific programs that assist in covering the cost of elderly care in Montana, there are also federal and non-profit programs available. In order to find other programs that assist in paying for care or reduce your out-of-pocket cost, make sure to use our Resource Locator Tool. This tool makes it easy to locate and consider all of your options and choose the program that best fits the circumstances. Eldercare loans and programs that aid veterans with assisted living are other available options.
Finding Affordable Care
One of the best ways to find the most affordable senior care in Montana is to check with multiple care providers. The cost of care, as well as the care available, may vary greatly by geographic location. In order to assist you with the task of finding a high quality (and affordable) provider that fits your care needs, as well as preferred geographic location, we have partnered with several other organizations that maintain large databases of providers. For free assistance in finding affordable care, please click here.
Top Cities for Senior Care in Montana
For more information about the costs and resources available in Montana cities, click on the links below.
