Montana

Residents of Montana have less concern about chronic health conditions than the residents of other states. According to a compilation of 2013 health reports by the United Health Foundation called America’s Health Rankings, the state excelled in minimizing cancer-related fatalities. Montana attained 2nd place in having the least prevalence of diabetes in America’s Health Rankings. Furthermore, it also stands out as one of the country’s least obese states.

However, many state residents frequently engage in binge-drinking, putting Montana in the 45th spot for preventing this habit. The use of tobacco among residents decreased by 2.4%, yet 150,000 adults still smoke habitually.

The state’s small and widely-distributed population means a higher score for air quality.

Montana also deals with limited health insurability for its citizens. Data from the state’s Department of Public Health and Human Services show the relatively low number of Medicaid enrollees. In March 2014, only 7,025 senior citizens received benefits from Medicaid.

 

Cost of Care

Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in Montana.

City Nursing Facility1 Assisted Living1 Adult Day Care2 Home Health Aide3
Billings $205 $95 $88 $120
Great Falls $362 $91 $73 $120
Helena $199 $106 $90 N/A

Notes:

*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
1Daily average for a private room.
2Based on five days of care per week.
3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.

 

Insurance Options

John Hancock announced that it will retain unisex premium rates for its long-term care insurance policies sold to Montana residents. Unlike other states, Montana does not approve gender-based pricing. As for LTCI discount for partners or couples, John Hancock maintained the rate at 30%. The insurance carrier also added Montana to its LTC Captivate, a web-based insurance marketing system.

Genworth started selling its recently-introduced LTCI product called Privileged Choice Flex 2 in Montana on November 11, 2013. Privileged Choice Flex 2 differs from its forerunner by including a 4% Compound Inflation Protection and revising the Couples discount as to apply only to formal spouses or partners. Unisex pricing applies to Montana policyholders in accordance with state ruling.

MedAmerica enacted changes to the preferred health and marital discounts of its FlexCare LTCI products in Montana on December 9, 2013. FlexCare also had three new inflation options and a 20 Calendar Day waiting period option for individual business.

Along-with these three insurers, Montana residents can also buy Partnership LTCI policies from American General Life, Berkshire Life, Mutual of Omaha, New York Life, Northwestern, State Farm, and Transamerica. The state effectuated its Long Term Care Partnership on July 1, 2009.

 

State Long-Term Care Programs

The Medicare health program gave full coverage to the inhabitants of Libby, Montana as asbestos-related diseases from a vermiculite mine affected many among them. Due to prolonged latency period, complications of asbestos-related diseases often show when patients attain the age of 60 or 70. Asbestos can also cause cancer, which usually requires skilled nursing care.

People who most likely need long-term care can benefit from full Medicaid coverage. They can only receive coverage if they qualify under the criteria for age, condition, and finances. The federally-facilitated Marketplace supervises enrollee qualification through a partnership model. In 2014, Montana expanded its Medicaid benefits to more low-income adult residents.

Arthritis patients can improve their well-being through the Montana Arthritis Program, which assists in reducing pain and managing the chronic ailment.

 

More Resources

To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in Montana, please check the following websites:

Department of Public Health and Human Services

Helps in getting long-term care, energy assistance, and adult protective services.

Montana State University Extension

Provides a guide for managing care costs and insurance.

MHA (formerly Montana Hospital Association)

Offers resource links that help nursing facility care dependents.

 

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