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Free personalized senior living guidance for families
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Montana · Everything here is free · Reviewed July 2026
If you or someone you love is getting older in Montana and the money just isn't there for assisted living or a nursing home, take a breath. You are not out of options, and you are not alone. Montana has a network of free programs — run by the state, by your local Area Agency on Aging, and by trusted nonprofits — built for exactly this situation.
Not sure where to start? Call for free1-800-551-3191This is your front door. The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging, and the same line reaches free Medicare counseling (SHIP). One call, many answers.
A lot of families don't ask for help because they think these programs are only for "other people," or they're afraid of long forms and being told no. Please don't let that stop you. The people who answer these phones do this work every day, and most help is completely free. There's no shame in it — these are programs your tax dollars already paid for.
This page pulls the most useful Montana resources into one place, in plain language. You can read it all or jump to the part you need. When you're ready, start with the three numbers below.
Tap what fits. You'll jump straight to the right help — no reading through the rest.
Still not sure? Just make the call above — they'll help you figure it out. One call is a great start.
Start here for most families
Most people would rather stay in their own home than move to a facility, and Montana Medicaid can help make that possible through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).
Because waiver slots are limited and there can be a waiting list, call to learn more and apply early.
Ask about the Big Sky Waiver and other HCBS options.
Montana Medicaid pays for a wide range of care, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and — importantly for seniors — long-term care, both in nursing facilities and, through waivers, in your own home.
Who qualifies? Eligibility depends on your income, your assets, and your care needs. Montana expanded Medicaid, so many adults qualify based on income alone, and there are special rules for seniors and people who need long-term care. The exact dollar limits change every year, so please don't rule yourself out based on a number you heard somewhere. Call and let them check for you — it's free, and you might be surprised.
Apply online anytime, by phone through the Public Assistance Help Line, or in person at your local Office of Public Assistance.
For questions about your benefits and copays once you're enrolled.
If you're on Medicare
If you have Medicare and a limited income, you may be paying more than you have to. Two programs can help:
Apply through the Public Assistance Help Line or online, or ask a SHIP counselor to walk you through it.
A SHIP counselor can walk you through applying for a Medicare Savings Program.
Apply for the prescription drug subsidy through Social Security.
If Medicare confuses you (it confuses almost everyone), Montana has trained counselors who help for free and never sell anything. It's called SHIP — the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, run through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Area Agencies on Aging.
SHIP counselors can help you understand Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, compare drug and Advantage plans during open enrollment, sort out bills and denials, and find programs that lower your costs.
Call the Montana SHIP line for free, unbiased Medicare counseling.
Reach the national SHIP locator if you need help finding your local counselor.
Everyday essentials
Apply online or by phone. Many older adults qualify and never knew it.
Your Area Agency on Aging offers home-delivered meals and senior dining sites.
Free groceries through the Montana Food Bank Network and local food pantries. Dial 211 to find the closest one.
If keeping a roof overhead is a struggle, these can help:
Dial 211 for local housing and rent/utility assistance.
Public Housing and Section 8
Your local housing authority offers reduced-rent options for low-income seniors.
Helps pay heating bills in Montana's cold winters — apply through your local Human Resource Development Council or call 211.
Can point you to senior housing options in your area.
Guidance & protection
Montana is divided into regions, each served by an Area Agency on Aging (AAA). These are your local hubs for senior help — meals, transportation, caregiver support, in-home services, and friendly guidance from people who know your community.
The statewide ADRC line connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging.
Ask the Eldercare Locator to connect you to your local Area Agency on Aging.
Learn more about Area Agencies on Aging through the state's Senior and Long Term Care Division.
Free civil legal help for people with low incomes, including seniors.
Call if you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected, or financially exploited.
If you or a loved one lives in a nursing home or assisted-living facility and something isn't right — care problems, dignity issues, unfair treatment — the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a free, confidential advocate who works for the resident.
A free, confidential advocate for residents of long-term care facilities.
National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center
Find your local ombudsman through the national locator.
Dial 211 for a real person who can point you to local help of almost any kind.
A free national service that connects you to aging help in your area.
Call the Aging/ADRC & SHIP line at 1-800-551-3191. Tell them your situation and ask what you may qualify for. This one call opens the most doors.
Call for free1-800-551-3191It's Montana's Medicaid program — free or very low-cost health coverage for people with limited income. For seniors, it's the main way to get help paying for long-term care, both in facilities and at home.
Generally, no. Medicare covers medical care and only short, limited stays in a skilled nursing facility after a hospital visit. For ongoing long-term care, Medicaid is the program that helps — which is why it's worth checking your eligibility.
Yes. These programs are designed for people on fixed and limited incomes. Social Security counts as income, but many seniors on Social Security still qualify. Don't assume you make "too much" — call and let them check.
Very possibly. Medicare Savings Programs can cover your Part B premium (about $185/month) and sometimes more. Call 1-888-706-1535 or ask SHIP at 1-800-551-3191.
That's what the Big Sky Waiver is for — it helps pay for care in your own home. Call the ADRC at 1-800-551-3191 to ask about it. Slots can be limited, so apply early.
Yes — and it's free. Call the ADRC at 1-800-551-3191 or dial 211. Explain your situation and let them guide you. That's their whole job.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The programs on this page exist because communities decided that older people deserve care and dignity no matter their bank balance. Start with one call today, and take it one step at a time. You've got this — and you've got help.
Program details, income limits, and contact information can change. The agencies linked above can confirm the most current specifics for your situation. This page is for general information and isn't legal or financial advice.
Last reviewed: July 2026. Program details, income limits, and contact information can change — the linked agencies confirm the most current specifics.