Learn what you need to do if you may be affected.
Step-by-step: how to complete your renewal through apply.mt.gov
The open enrollment period for coverage in 2024 has ended, but you still may qualify for health insurance, whether it be because of a life change, losing coverage, or other circumstances.
So, you’ve applied for Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids (HMK), now what? Keep scrolling for common questions and answers on the topic!
Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) FAQs
Q: How long will it the Office of Public Assistance (OPA) to process my application?
A: The OPA has 45 days to process your application for Medicaid. If you applied for SNAP at the same time, the state has 30 days.
Q: How will I find out if I am approved for Medicaid or HMK?
A: You will receive a notice in the mail from the Office of Public Assistance, PO Box 202925, Helena, MT 59620. The notice will tell you whether you were approved or denied and if you need to provide more information to the OPA.
Q: Is there any way to check the status of my Medicaid or HMK application if I haven’t yet received a notice?
A: There are a few ways to check:
You can also check the status of an application through the virtual chat on the state’s application website: www.apply.mt.gov.
Your healthcare provider or pharmacy may also be able to look you up to see if you are approved for Medicaid. You will likely be able to see whether you qualify for Medicaid, in either of those systems, before you receive a mailed notice from the Office of Public Assistance.
You can call the Montana Public Assistance Help Line or visit a local Office of Public Assistance, but we recommend trying the other options first as they may be faster, especially because of long wait times during the Medicaid renewal process that is happening through January 2024.
Q: What if it has been more than 45 days and there is still no word?
A: You can give the Public Assistance Help Line a call (1-888-706-1535) or stop by a local office.
Q: If I am approved, when will my coverage start?
A: If you are approved, your Medicaid coverage goes back to the first day of the month you applied. For example, if you apply on July 20th and are approved, your Medicaid coverage goes back to July 1st.
If you qualify for Montana Medicaid, you can enroll throughout the year. In order to qualify for Medicaid, you must meet the monthly income guidelines (see chart). To qualify for Medicaid, you must also be a Montana resident between the ages of 18-64 and not eligible for Medicare.
There are a number of life-changing events that may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) outside of the Open Enrollment Period. These qualifying events include loss of coverage, marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, and more. There is a NEW SEP for those at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Check out the calculator to learn more or call a local assister.
A federal health insurance program for folks over the age of 65 and some younger adults who have a disability or certain illnesses. If you have questions about Medicare or need help enrolling, Montana’s Area Agencies on Aging have SHIP counselors on staff who can help. Click here to contact them.
Family Size | Monthly | Yearly |
---|---|---|
Single | $1,677 | $20,120 |
2 | $2,268 | $27,214 |
3 | $2,859 | $34,307 |
4 | $3,450 | $41,400 |
5 | $4,041 | $48,493 |
6 | $4,632 | $55,586 |
7 | $5,223 | $62,680 |
8 | $5,814 | $69,773 |
You must be a MT resident, between 18-64, and not Medicare eligible. Enroll anytime. American Indians are eligible for no-cost plans.
There is free, local help available across Montana. You can call the Cover Montana Help Line to get questions answered and to get help enrolling over the phone: (844) 682-6837. Or click any of the links below for more help. Whether you need phone, virtual, or in-person help, we’ve got you covered!
Enter a secure live chat session with one of our experts to address any questions or concerns you may have.
With just a zip code, find a local enrollment assister who can answer questions and help you apply for and enroll in health insurance.
With just some basic information, the calculator estimates what you qualify for including Medicaid, Healthy Montana Kids, and the Marketplace.