Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Montana. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Montana)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Montana SHIP)
Montana's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is administered by the Montana Office on Aging within the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and delivered through the state's Area Agencies on Aging. SHIP gives free, objective, confidential Medicare counseling: eligibility and enrollment, Part D drug-plan comparisons, Medigap (supplemental) insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, help spotting fraud, and long-term care options. It is not affiliated with the insurance industry.
Montana SHIP statewide: 1-800-551-3191 DPHHS SHIP page: dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/SHIP
Medicaid in Montana
Montana Medicaid is run by DPHHS and, for seniors, covers nursing-home care, Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid, and Home and Community-Based Services through the Big Sky Waiver, which lets people who would otherwise need a nursing facility receive care in their own home and community.
How to apply: online at apply.mt.gov, or in person at your local Office of Public Assistance. For help, call the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535. Questions about senior and long-term care services can go to the DPHHS Senior and Long Term Care Division at 406-444-4077. Be ready with Social Security and Medicare cards, income and bank records (long-term care reviews can look back several years), property deeds, and insurance policies.
DPHHS Senior and Long-Term Care: dphhs.mt.gov/sltc
Prescription help
Montana has operated a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program called Big Sky Rx, which helps pay the Medicare Part D premium for income-eligible Montana residents on Medicare. Confirm current Big Sky Rx availability and income limits with DPHHS before relying on it.
Other options: Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): a federal program that lowers Part D drug costs for qualifying beneficiaries. Apply through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov. BenefitsCheckUp.org: screens for manufacturer patient assistance programs and added savings. Montana SHIP counselors (1-800-551-3191) can check Extra Help, Big Sky Rx, and Medicare Savings Program eligibility at no charge.
Energy and utility help
Montana's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is administered by DPHHS and delivered through local Human Resource Development Councils (HRDCs) and Tribal LIHEAP offices. Benefits are a grant that does not have to be repaid, and you can apply for weatherization on the same combined application.
Eligibility: households with income at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income may qualify. Households where every member receives SNAP are categorically eligible. Households with adults over 60 or with young children are priority groups.
Timing: you may apply during the heating season, October 1 through April 30. Reviews can take up to about 45 days.
How to apply: start at apply.mt.gov, or contact your local HRDC or Tribal LIHEAP office (listed on the last page of the application). You can also call 211. Details at dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/energyassistance.
Property tax relief (Montana)
Montana has two main senior-relevant programs, and they can be used together:
Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit (Form 2EC): a refundable state income-tax credit of up to $1,150 for residents age 62 or older. For the 2025 tax year, combined household income must be less than $45,000. You must have lived in Montana at least nine months and rented, owned, or leased a home in Montana at least six months during the year. Renters qualify too (a portion of rent counts as property tax). Administered by the Montana Department of Revenue and claimed on the income tax return.
Montana Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP): reduces the property tax rate on the first $418,000 of the market value of a qualifying owner-occupied primary residence, on a tiered basis (an 80, 50, or 30 percent reduction depending on income). Administered by the Montana Department of Revenue. Income limits and the eligible value cap are set by the Department and adjust over time, so confirm the current figures and apply through the Department of Revenue.
Montana Department of Revenue, property tax help: revenue.mt.gov (Property, then Property Tax Help)
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Montana's aging services are coordinated by the Office on Aging and delivered through the state's Area Agencies on Aging.
DPHHS Senior and Long Term Care Division: 406-444-4077 Find your Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
Services available through the network:
- Congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels)
- In-home care, personal care, and homemaker services
- Family caregiver support
- Transportation assistance
- Long-term care ombudsman services for residents of care facilities
Legal aid: free civil legal help for older Montanans is available through Montana Legal Services Association (mtlsa.org), and self-help information through montanalawhelp.org. You can also reach legal help through your Area Agency on Aging or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Frequently asked questions
What is Montana's SHIP program? Montana's SHIP is run by the Office on Aging through the Area Agencies on Aging. Trained counselors give free, unbiased Medicare help statewide, covering enrollment, drug-plan comparisons, Medigap, fraud, and long-term care options. Reach it at 1-800-551-3191.
Does Montana offer property tax relief for seniors? Yes. The Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit (Form 2EC) is a refundable credit of up to $1,150 for residents 62 or older with 2025 household income under $45,000, and it covers renters too. Separately, the Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP) lowers the tax rate on the first $418,000 of market value of a primary residence on an income-based sliding scale (80, 50, or 30 percent). Both are run by the Montana Department of Revenue and can be combined.
How do Montana seniors get help with heating bills? Through LIHEAP, run by DPHHS and delivered by local HRDCs and Tribal offices. Households at or below 60 percent of State Median Income may qualify, adults over 60 are a priority group, and the grant does not have to be repaid. Apply October 1 through April 30 at apply.mt.gov or your local HRDC, or call 211.
How does a Montana senior apply for Medicaid? Apply online at apply.mt.gov or at a local Office of Public Assistance, and call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535 for help. The Big Sky Waiver can provide in-home and community care for seniors who qualify medically and financially instead of moving to a nursing facility.
Sources
- Montana DPHHS, State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): https://dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/SHIP (Verified June 13, 2026)
- SHIP National directory, Montana: https://www.shiphelp.org/ships/montana/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Montana DPHHS, Senior and Long-Term Care: https://www.dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Montana DPHHS, Apply for Health Coverage: https://dphhs.mt.gov/healthcare/apply (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Montana DPHHS, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): https://dphhs.mt.gov/HCSD/energyassistance/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Montana Department of Revenue, Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit: https://revenue.mt.gov/property/property-tax-help/montana-elderly-homeowner-renter-credit (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Montana Department of Revenue, Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP): https://revenue.mt.gov/property/property-tax-help/ptap (Verified June 13, 2026)
- Montana DPHHS, Prescription Drug Assistance (Big Sky Rx): https://dphhs.mt.gov/montanahealthcareprograms/prescriptiondrugassistance/ (Verified June 13, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.