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Memory Care in Montana

As is the case elsewhere in the nation, the number of people with Alzheimer’s in Montana is on the rise. Montana’s population is significantly older than average, however, with almost one in five (19.3%) residents aged 65 or over. There are 22,000 seniors with Alzheimer’s in Montana as of 2020, and this number is expected to rise to 27,000 by 2025. Alzheimer’s ranks sixth in the state’s top causes of death as of 2019, with 326 residents passing away due to the disease and many more hospitalized. Montanans have access to great care at hospitals such as St. Patrick, which has high ratings in several areas of concern for seniors, but this certainly isn’t a long-term solution for those with Alzheimer’s.

Specialized help is available via memory care programs. This level of care is similar to and an extension of assisted living, and it is often provided in a separate area within such a facility. Staff provide personal assistance, supervision, meals and activities. The average monthly cost of memory care in Montana is $5,562, while the U.S. average is just $63 higher.

Memory care can be offered on its own in a community designed for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. More often, though, it’s provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This guide explores the cost of memory care in more detail, including the possibility of financial assistance, and also lists useful resources.

The Cost of Memory Care in Montana

When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of memory care in Montana and its 2 cities.

Note: Memory care is most often provided in an assisted living environment and adds approximately 20-30% to the monthly bill. As such, we’ve accounted for a 25% increase in the assisted living costs reported in the Genworth Financial 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Residential care for people with Alzheimer’s has an average cost of $5,562 per month in Montana, which is virtually identical to the national average of $5,625. All neighboring states have lower average costs — with the Dakotas each offering average savings of over $1,300 per month — although in nearby Washington the cost is roughly $2,000 higher than in Montana. The average cost in Wyoming and Idaho is lower by $350-$760 per month.

The Cost of Memory Care in Montana's Top Cities

Memory care costs in Montana average $5,822 a month, but this is just a statewide figure, and costs will vary by location. In Billings, for instance, costs average $7,270 for memory care, while in Kalispell seniors pay an average of $5,635. Over the state line, costs in Idaho can be somewhat lower, noting the $5,525 average in Boise, ID, and the $3,030 average for seniors in Sandpoint, ID.

Montana

$5,822

Billings

$7,270

Kalispell

$5,635

Boise, ID

$5,525

Sandpoint, ID

$3,030

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in Montana

Inflation has driven up costs for many areas of life, including of memory care in Montana. From 2022–24, prices are projected to rise from $6,033 per month to $6,200. This is a relatively small increase of 3% compared to the 13% price hike nationwide. Changes in other states are expected to be more dramatic — Wyoming sees memory care costs rise from $4,712 to $6,341, and costs in Colorado go up by over $1,000, from $5,326 to $6,382. Over the same period, costs rose by 10% in Nevada and 14% in California.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Montana$6,033$5,822$6,200
U.S. Average$4,863$5,369 $5,792
Wyoming$4,712$6,020 $6,341
Colorado$5,326$5,958 $6,382
Nevada$4,284$4,474 $4,712
California$5,668$5,866 $6,453

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

Memory care in Montana may average $5,822 a month, but this is not the only care option for seniors. Costs will vary depending on the degree of care available, the amenities featured and on-site accommodations. To meet less intensive needs, assisted living averages $5,257, while independent living is the most affordable at an average of $2,714 per month. Because prices fluctuate, it will benefit discerning budgets to research all available options before making a decision.

Assisted Living

$5,257

Memory Care

$5,822

Independent Living

$2,714

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Montana?

Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Montana.

Seniors and people with disabilities in Montana who qualify for both Medicaid and its waiver program, Montana Big Sky, can receive coverage for memory care services. These programs are intended to help low-income residents pay for services that are medically necessary.

In many cases, a Medicaid recipient can qualify for additional coverage of what are often referred to as waiver services. These additional services are provided in the home of the individual or elsewhere in the community, such as assisted living and memory care, with the ultimate goal of helping them avoid premature nursing home placement. The entire bill from a memory care facility won’t be covered in any case, however, as the state Medicaid programs don’t cover the cost of room and board.

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Montana

Medicaid and the Montana Big Sky Waiver Program may cover many services related to memory care. Coverage for each service is granted on an individual basis, however, which requires an assessment by physicians and/or nursing staff. The applicant must be assessed with a need for a particular service while also being financially eligible. We’ve provided a brief summary of potential coverage below.

 

  • Case management (long-term care planning by nurses and social workers)
  • Residential habilitation and supported living
  • Personal assistance
  • Homemaker services
  • Specially trained attendant caregivers
  • Community supports and transition
  • Accessibility adaptations and personal security/response systems
  • Health and wellness
  • Physical, speech and other therapies
  • Specialized medical equipment and supplies

 

The official Medicaid.gov website has a complete list of services covered by this waiver.

Memory Care Waiver Programs in Montana

Montana Big Sky Waiver Program

The Montana Big Sky Waiver gives Medicaid recipients expanded coverage of services that are deemed necessary to prevent them from being placed in a nursing home prematurely. In simpler terms, eligible seniors and people with disabilities are covered for more help in their own home or in another residential setting, which can include assisted living and memory care facilities.

Medicaid recipients who meet the additional level of care requirements can still remain where they’re living now if it’s deemed safe to do so, although people with Alzheimer’s generally need full-time residential care relatively quickly.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Montana

The only way to be certain of eligibility for Medicaid and the services covered by a waiver is to go through the process of applications and assessments. Generally, applicants must qualify by showing both a financial and functional need for available services.The financial eligibility requirements as of 2023 include a limit of $2,000 in assets and a maximum annual income of $10,968 for individuals. This income limit is equal to the SSI Federal Benefit Rate, which changes yearly. Depending on the particular program and service, functional eligibility requirements may include age, disabilities and other factors that cause a need for assistance.

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Montana

Household SizeNumber of ApplicantsIncome Limits Per Year*Asset Limits: Applicant(s)Asset Limits: Non-Applicants
One Person1$10,968$2,000
Two People1$10,968**$2,000$148,620
Two People 2$21,936***$4,000****

*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.

**Income limit is for applicant only.

***Income is limited to $914 per month per spouse.

****Assets are limited to $2,000 per spouse

  • Aged 65+ or blind/disabled
  • Assessed with a need for services to avoid nursing home placement
  • Resident of Montana and U.S. citizen or with lawful immigration status

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income payments are automatically eligible for Montana Medicaid, although a referral is still required to access waiver services.

How to Apply for Medicaid in Montana

Applications for Montana Medicaid and waiver services can be handled by phone, at local offices or online via Cover Montana. The Cover Montana Help Line can be reached at (844) 682-6837, and its website provides detailed information and tools to estimate eligibility for various programs, as well as a locator to find in-person assistance by zip code.

What Information You Will Need

The following list provides a general outline of what to expect, but the specifics can only be determined once the application process has started. Depending on circumstances, some pieces of information may already be verified and present in the system, particularly for those receiving other state or federal assistance.

 

  • Valid identification of all household members (name, address, age)
  • Social Security number
  • Immigration documents (for non-citizen applicants only)
  • Documentation of income, assets and expenses
  • Information on any other current health coverage (if applicable)

 

All sources of income must be assessed, including SSA and SSI payments, as well as insurance policies.

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

There are several ways to get help with Montana Medicaid and the approval process for various services. The following programs are available statewide and offer free assistance, advice and information by phone or in person.

ProgramContactServices provided
Cover MontanaCall (844) 682-6837 or visit the website to find local assistanceMontanans can get in-person assistance with applications and answers to Medicaid-related questions at the local level by calling the nationwide helpline or entering a zip code on the Cover Montana website.
Montana Public Assistance HelplineCall (888) 706-1535 during regular weekday business hoursThe state Office of Public Assistance can help residents apply for Medicaid and other programs in Montana. Assistance is available by phone or in person at over a dozen field offices throughout the state.
State Health Insurance Assistance ProgramCall (800) 551-3191 to speak with local counselorsMedicare beneficiaries can call Montana SHIP for free and unbiased answers and advice on benefits and other available assistance. Seniors who already have Medicare and need help applying for Medicaid and related programs can find it here.

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Montana?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Montana. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Montana.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Montana

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.

NameHow To ApplyHow It Works
Aid and AttendanceLearn more and apply online at va.gov.Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used toward paying for Memory Care.
Reverse MortgagesLearn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.govIf you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Memory Care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
Long-Term Care (LTC) InsuranceLearn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Memory Care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Montana

There are many resources in Montana that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Area Agencies on AgingIn Montana, seniors have access to 10 Area Agencies on Aging across the state, which provide a variety of supportive services. These agencies offer seniors education regarding Medicare benefits, insurance fraud, elder abuse and many other advocacy concerns. They can also point seniors toward local assistive services, including transportation to medical appointments, exercise classes, nutrition and meal delivery programs, community centers and local care options. Additionally, seniors can discover their local Ombudsman program through AAAs.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in Montana provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Lifeline Program800-234-9473The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Montana seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Meals on WheelsMontana Meals on Wheels is a food assistance program open to statewide seniors ages 60 and over, along with those who are unable to shop for and prepare meals due to limited mobility. These nutritious meals fulfill seniors' dietary needs and are available on a sliding-fee scale based on income, ranging from no cost to full cost. Congregate meals are served at local senior centers, while home-delivered meals provide seniors with daily socialization and safety checks to help monitor well-being.
Montana Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)406-926-1625In Missoula, MT, the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition partners with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to distribute coupons to low-income seniors aged 60 and older. Seniors are free to redeem these vouchers at over 30 farmer's markets and farm stands throughout the state for fresh fruits, vegetables and honey. Starting May 1st, seniors who meet USDA income limits can sign up for this program, which runs from June 1st to October 31st.
Montana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)888-706-1535The Montana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a food-assistance program for Montana residents who meet the eligibility requirements, which is based on the number of residents per household compared to their respective gross and net monthly income. Qualified recipients can access benefits via their Montana Access Card, a debit card linked to the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. In addition to using the card to buy food at certain stores, residents can use it at farmers' markets.

Free Used Medical Equipment

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Montana collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana MonTECH406-243-5511MonTECH is a statewide assistive technology program that allows people to borrow a wide range of devices, such as wheelchairs, tablets, lifts, walkers and feeding devices, for a set period of time. The organization also maintains community exchange listings.

Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors

Montana seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Big Sky Rx Program866-369-1233Administered by the State of Montana, the Big Sky Rx Program helps Medicare beneficiaries pay for prescription medication insurance premiums.
Montana Rx CardAs the state's prescription assistance program, the free Montana Rx Card is available to all Montana residents. It provides discounts on prescription drugs when obtained from participating pharmacies.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Montana have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Section 504 Home Repair ProgramThe Section 504 Home Repair Program provides loans and grants to low-income homeowners. Seniors may receive a grant of up to $10,000 to remove health and safety hazards from their residence. Home repair and modernization loans up to $40,000 are available to seniors who can repay them.

Medicaid Resources

Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Montana resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Big Sky Waiver ProgramThe Montana Big Sky Waiver Program is a home- and community-based services Medicaid waiver that provides tailored support services to enable eligible seniors to remain at home or in an assisted living community. The program seeks to prevent or delay admission to a nursing home or other institutional setting. Services may include nursing care, rehabilitation therapies, environmental modifications, attendant care, help with personal care, daily activities and domestic chores, respite care and transportation.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in Montana help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Social SecuritySocial Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Montana resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit ProgramSeniors aged 62 and older who own or rent a home in Montana may be eligible for property tax relief. Refunds of up to $1,150 may be credited to a senior's Individual Income Tax.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Montana retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana Energy Share888-779-7589The nonprofit Energy Share of Montana provides emergency assistance to Montana residents facing hardship and who are at risk of losing heating or lighting in their home. All cases are considered on an individual basis.
Montana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)833-317-1080Montana's Low Income Energy Assistance Program can help seniors afford their heating bills during the cold winter months. In addition to paying a portion of energy bills, the program assists seniors in need of emergency furnace replacement. The LIHEAP is open to renters and homeowners, although some income limits apply. Seniors who are already participating in certain other federal programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and SSI, generally qualify automatically for Montana's LIHEAP.

Veteran's Services

Montana retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Montana VA Benefits and Health CareMontana VA Benefits and Health Care offers comprehensive VA benefit, compensation and pension assistance via five Vet Centers. Advisors can help seniors file claims and appeal adverse decisions. Those with a service-related injury can obtain free medical care from a network of outpatient and community-outpatient clinics in addition to Fort Harrison VA Medical Center. The state has two cemeteries for veterans: Fort Missoula Post Cemetery and Yellowstone National Cemetery.

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Montana

Residential care facilities such as memory care and assisted living communities are licensed and regulated by Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services. Category A and Category B assisted living facilities can provide care to those living with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, while Category C facilities can admit and retain residents with advanced dementia.

TopicRule
Scope of CareAll assisted living facilities may admit and retain residents diagnosed with dementia in accordance with licensing standards. Residents who require around-the-clock skilled nursing care or who are incapable of interacting with their environment may not be admitted in any Montana assisted living facility.
Care Plan RequirementsA comprehensive care plan must be prepared within 21 days of admission to a memory care program and reviewed at least once per year.
Medication Management RequirementsAll prescription and over-the-counter medications must be stored in a locked container located in a secure room or locked medication cart. Caregivers in Category A and B facilities can assist with self-administration of medications, while only licensed medical staff in Category C facilities can administer medications.
Staff Screening RequirementsFacility administrators are responsible for screening all direct care staff. Screening must include background checks, verification of educational credentials and reference checks.
Staff Training RequirementsDirect care staff in all assisted living and memory care facilities must be trained in CPR and first aid as well as in the policies and procedures of the facility they work in.
Medicaid CoverageMontana’s Big Sky Medicaid waiver benefits include memory care services, although the waiver does not cover the room and board portion of memory care and assisted living fees.
Reporting AbuseSituations that present an immediate threat to the health and safety of any vulnerable person, including those living with memory loss, should be reported to the nearest law enforcement agency.

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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