Medicare Plans in Montana

How Do I Enroll in Medicare in Montana?

To enroll in Original Medicare, do one of the following:

  • Submit an online application.
  • Apply in person at a Social Security office.
  • Call 800-772-1213 to speak with a Social Security employee.

HelpAdvisor Editorial Team analysis of data from the 2024 MA Landscape Source Files and carrier-provided plan data supplied by SunFire, Inc., a private company that creates software solutions for agents and brokers to compare Medicare plans. For more information, visit www.sunfireinc.com.

What Montana Medicare Plans Are Available?

Medicare is a federal program that provides insurance coverage and financial assistance for health care and medical services. The program is for those age 65 and older and some qualifying individuals with disabilities. It is broken up into various parts, each of which covers a different aspect of health care. 

Part A

Medicare Part A is the component created before any of the others. It is funded by the U.S. government and offers insurance for inpatient services. This includes hospital stays, standalone surgical facilities and hospice, home and skilled nursing care. Premiums are dependent on participation in payroll taxes during years of employment. 

Part B

Part B functions more like traditional health insurance in that it covers doctor's visits, some in-office services and other elements of preventative care. It may also cover diagnostic testing. Premiums for Part B coverage are based on income, and the patient is responsible for paying any copays, coinsurance costs and deductibles. 

Both Part A and B can be purchased as a standalone package for those who don't automatically qualify. 

Medicare Advantage

The Advantage program covers many of the same things as Parts A and B and acts as a privatized replacement of the two. To qualify for a Medicare Advantage program, individuals have to already be enrolled in the original program components. 

The Advantage program covers inpatient services, preventative care and aspects of health care not covered by Parts A and B. This includes dental and vision services and some prescription medications. 

The structure of the Advantage plan is offered in four options: 

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
  • Private Fee-for-Service
  • Special Needs Plan

Part D/Prescription Drug Plan

Part D of Medicare is also known as the prescription drug benefit. Individuals may opt to purchase Part D as a standalone plan or may forgo it entirely if the Medicare Advantage plan of their choosing covers their medications. 

When signing up for Parts A and B, Part D is optional; however, enrolling at a later date may mean incurring a penalty. 

Medigap

Medigap coverage is a supplemental plan that covers some of the expenses associated with Medicare that are out-of-pocket for enrollees. This includes elements such as coinsurance costs, copays, deductibles, prescription drug costs and even some medical supplies. 

Medigap coverage is administered through private insurers, so each state has a different range of offerings when it comes to the number of companies participating in this supplemental insurance. 

About 22% of Montana residents are enrolled in Medicare, with 10% of that demographic falling in the age 65 and under category because of a disability. Of this, 28% of enrollees have an Advantage plan. Advantage plans are available in every county, but the number of offerings vary. Some counties have only one plan option while others have as many as nine. 

There are 28 insurance companies offering Medigap coverage in Montana, with almost 95,000 people enrolled in one of these plans. 

Who Is Eligible for Montana Medicare?

Medicare eligibility in Montana is automatically extended to those age 65 and up. Enrollment is automatic with the receipt of a Social Security benefits package starting four months prior to turning 65. 

For those who are not enrolled automatically, there are other options to do so. First-time enrollees can sign up three months prior to their 65th birthday, throughout their birth month and three months after that point. 

Medicare also offers an annual enrollment period from January 1 through March 31, with benefits starting July 1. The fall enrollment period extends from October 15 through December 7, with benefits starting January 1. This second period is the point at which enrollees can change Advantage or Part D insurers. 

Individuals who qualify for Medicare in Montana but missed the enrollment period can sign up at any time if they have just moved back into the country, lost coverage from another insurance plan or no longer qualify to receive Medicaid coverage. Those outside of these parameters may also enroll but may have to pay a fee to do so. 

How Do I Enroll in Medicare in Montana?

Those interested in enrolling in Medicare in Montana may do so in one of several ways, including: 

  • Applying via the Social Security Administration website
  • Applying over the phone by calling the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213
  • Enrolling in-person at a local Social Security Administration office

HelpAdvisor Editorial Team analysis of data from the 2024 MA Landscape Source Files and carrier-provided plan data supplied by SunFire, Inc., a private company that creates software solutions for agents and brokers to compare Medicare plans. For more information, visit www.sunfireinc.com.

Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Plans in Montana

Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Plans in Montana
Average Monthly Premium $92.11
Average in-network out-of-pocket spending limit $5,912.51
Average drug deductible in 2024 (weighted) $374.53
Percentage of plans rated 4 stars or higher 53.6%
Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Plans in Montana
Average Monthly Premium
$92.11
Average in-network out-of-pocket spending limit
$5,912.51
Average drug deductible in 2021 (weighted)
$374.53
Percentage of plans rated 4 stars or higher
53.6%

Montana Medicare Advantage Plans by County

The chart below provides more information about Medicare Advantage plan costs and enrollment in Montana by county in 2024.

Scroll to the right to continue reading the chart
County Average Premium Average Annual Drug Deductible % of Plans Rates 4 Stars or Higher # of Plans Available
Musselshell $70 $244 72.7% 11
Mccone $27 $0 25.0% 4
Toole $139 $258 100.0% 6
Pondera $78 $312 100.0% 11
Crook $54 $295 16.7% 6
Mckenzie $90 $405 52.4% 21
Broadwater $97 $389 50.0% 20
Dawson $54 $295 16.7% 6
Carbon $88 $405 50.0% 20
Jefferson $97 $389 50.0% 20
Ravalli $88 $405 50.0% 20
Sanders $97 $389 50.0% 20
Divide $90 $405 52.4% 21
Yellowstone $94 $389 47.4% 19
Powell $97 $389 50.0% 20
Wheatland $70 $244 72.7% 11
Stillwater $94 $389 47.4% 19
Big Horn $98 $394 44.4% 18
Meagher $85 $281 75.0% 12
Wibaux $27 $0 25.0% 4
Sweet Grass $98 $394 44.4% 18
Sheridan $54 $295 16.7% 6
Mineral $75 $265 76.9% 13
Richland $27 $0 25.0% 4
Lake $97 $389 50.0% 20
Treasure $70 $244 72.7% 11
Glacier $83 $258 66.7% 9
Teton $90 $405 52.4% 21
Granite $106 $413 47.4% 19
Golden Valley $70 $244 72.7% 11
Beaverhead $106 $413 47.4% 19
Judith Basin $74 $334 76.9% 13
Flathead $88 $405 50.0% 20
Chouteau $99 $405 58.8% 17
Idaho $109 $389 56.3% 16
Madison $122 $413 53.3% 15
Fergus $109 $389 56.3% 16
Missoula $109 $389 56.3% 16
Silver Bow $99 $405 58.8% 17
Liberty $115 $281 100.0% 8
Rosebud $74 $304 100.0% 8
Cascade $96 $405 56.3% 16
Gallatin $106 $389 53.3% 15
Fallon $81 $295 0.0% 2
Phillips $81 $295 0.0% 2
Valley $81 $295 0.0% 2
Garfield $81 $295 0.0% 2
Petroleum $81 $295 0.0% 2
Daniels $81 $295 0.0% 2
Powder River $81 $295 0.0% 2
Prairie $81 $295 0.0% 2
Roosevelt $81 $295 0.0% 2
Hill $126 $545 0.0% 7
Custer $44 $200 100.0% 2

Contact Information for Montana Medicare, Medicaid and Insurance Help

Individuals interested in signing up for Medicare in Montana or even other forms of insurance, including Medicaid, can benefit from assistance through one of the many local resources available. 

  • HelpAdvisor: Check out the HelpAdvisor site to learn more about Montana Medicaid, which provides financial assistance for those having trouble with their Medicare costs. 

  • Montana State Health Insurance Program (SHIP): Reach out to the Montana SHIP program to get counseling on choosing the right Medicare programs or dealing with obstacles in enrollment. This program can be accessed online or via phone at (800) 551-3191.

  • Montana Prescription Drug Assistance Program: There are a slew of prescription drug assistance programs available for Montana residents to aid in the cost of medications not fully covered through Medicare.