Area Agencies on Aging in Montana

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Montana (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Montana Aging Services Help Line: 1-800-551-3191 – Statewide connection to local Area Agencies on Aging (business hours only)
• Montana Adult Protective Services: 1-844-277-9300 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 – Mental health crisis support
• Montana Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 – State-specific mental health crisis support

For immediate food assistance:

• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for emergency food programs
• Montana 2-1-1 – Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency resources

Key Takeaways

• Montana has 9 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serving all 56 counties across the Big Sky State
• All services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and people with disabilities of any age
• Call 1-800-551-3191 to connect with your local AAA – available during business hours
• Each AAA operates an Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) – your single entry point for information
• No income requirements for basic information and assistance services
• Most AAAs coordinate home-delivered meals, transportation, legal help, and Medicare counseling
• Big Sky Waiver program can help you stay in your home instead of moving to a nursing facility
• Montana faces unique rural challenges but AAAs adapt services to serve the state’s vast geography

What Are Area Agencies on Aging?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are regional organizations that coordinate and provide essential services for older adults and people with disabilities. Created under the federal Older Americans Act in 1973, these agencies serve as the coordination center of Montana’s aging services network.

Montana’s AAAs function differently than in many states – they serve as both direct service providers and coordinators, adapting to Montana’s unique geography and population distribution. Each AAA covers multiple counties and often operates satellite offices to reach rural communities across the state’s 147,000 square miles.

All Montana AAAs also operate as Aging & Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), providing a single entry point for information about aging, disability, and long-term care services. This means you can contact any AAA for help, regardless of your age, income, or specific situation.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long Term Care Division, oversees all AAAs statewide and provides funding through federal, state, and local sources. Each AAA develops area plans that address the unique needs of their vast service regions.

Montana’s AAAs are particularly innovative in serving rural populations, often using mobile services, volunteer networks, and technology to reach isolated seniors across the state’s challenging geography.

Montana’s 9 Area Agencies on Aging: Complete Directory

Note: Director names may change. Always verify current details by calling 1-800-551-3191.

Core Services Provided by Montana AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every AAA provides free information and assistance to help you navigate Montana’s aging and disability services. Staff members are trained to answer questions about:

• Available programs and services in your area
• Eligibility requirements for different programs
• How to apply for benefits and services
• Referrals to other agencies and organizations
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs

This service is available to anyone who calls, regardless of age, income, or situation. Given Montana’s rural nature, many AAAs provide extensive phone-based assistance and can mail information packets.

Nutrition Programs

Montana AAAs operate comprehensive nutrition programs designed to address both food insecurity and social isolation in rural and urban communities.

Congregate Meals: Hot, nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and other gathering places throughout Montana. These programs provide vital social interaction opportunities in addition to nutrition. Meals typically have a suggested donation of $3-5 for seniors 60+, though no one is turned away for inability to pay.

Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who have difficulty leaving their homes due to mobility, transportation, or health issues, AAAs coordinate meal delivery programs. Services may include hot meals, frozen meals, or shelf-stable emergency food. Delivery frequency varies from daily to weekly depending on location and need.

Rural Meal Innovation: Montana AAAs have developed creative solutions for rural meal delivery, including mobile meal sites, volunteer delivery networks, and partnerships with local businesses to reach isolated seniors.

Transportation Services

Transportation is perhaps the most challenging service area in Montana due to vast distances, weather conditions, and low population density. AAAs address this critical need through various innovative approaches:

Medical Transportation: Priority service for getting to medical appointments, including long-distance trips to specialty care in larger cities. Some programs use volunteer drivers, others contract with transportation companies, and some operate their own vehicles.

General Transportation: Scheduled transportation for essential trips like grocery shopping, banking, and pharmacy visits. Service is often limited and may require significant advance planning in rural areas.

Volunteer Driver Programs: Many Montana AAAs rely heavily on volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles to transport seniors, often covering hundreds of miles per trip.

Montana Reality Check: Transportation services are extremely limited in rural areas. You may need to book rides weeks in advance, and same-day transportation is rarely available except for medical emergencies. Weather can cancel services without notice.

Legal Assistance

AAAs coordinate free legal services for seniors 60+ in civil matters that affect their health, safety, and economic well-being. Common legal issues include:

• Medicare and Medicaid problems and appeals
• Social Security and disability benefit issues
• Housing problems and landlord-tenant disputes
• Consumer protection from scams and fraud
• Basic estate planning (wills, advance directives)
• Property tax issues and exemptions
• Family law matters affecting seniors

Legal assistance is provided by staff attorneys or volunteer lawyers and may include advice, consultations, document preparation, and limited representation.

Medicare and Insurance Counseling (SHIP)

Montana’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased counseling through AAAs and trained volunteers. Services include:

• Medicare enrollment assistance and plan comparisons
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan reviews
• Medicare Part D prescription drug plan selection
• Medicare Advantage plan evaluations
• Help resolving billing problems and claim denials
• Assistance understanding Medicare statements and coverage

This counseling is completely unbiased – counselors don’t sell insurance and have no financial interest in your decisions.

Case Management and Care Coordination

For seniors with complex needs, AAAs provide case management services to help coordinate multiple services and support systems:

• Comprehensive assessment of needs and goals
• Development of individualized service plans
• Connection to appropriate services and benefits
• Ongoing monitoring and plan adjustments
• Advocacy with service providers and agencies
• Coordination with healthcare providers and family members

Family Caregiver Support

Montana AAAs operate National Family Caregiver Support Programs that provide assistance to family members caring for older adults:

Information and Education: Training on caregiving techniques, stress management, understanding chronic conditions, and navigating the service system – often provided virtually to reach rural caregivers.

Counseling and Support Groups: Individual counseling and peer support groups, including virtual support groups to connect rural caregivers across the state.

Respite Care: Temporary care services that provide family caregivers with breaks, including in-home companions, adult day programs, or short-term facility care.

Supplemental Services: Limited funding for services not covered elsewhere, such as home modifications, assistive devices, or emergency response systems.

Montana Medicaid Waiver Programs Through AAAs

Montana offers several Medicaid waiver programs that help eligible seniors and people with disabilities receive care in their homes instead of nursing facilities. AAAs often serve as entry points and information sources for these programs.

Big Sky Waiver (BSW)

The Big Sky Waiver is Montana’s primary home and community-based services program for seniors and adults with physical disabilities.

Services Include:

• Case management and care coordination
• Personal assistance services for daily living activities
• Homemaker services (housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry)
• Adult day health programs
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Home modifications and assistive technology
• Personal emergency response systems
• Transportation for medical appointments
• Skilled nursing services

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be Montana Medicaid eligible
• Age 65+ or under 65 with physical disability
• Must need nursing facility level of care
• Financial limits: $2,000 in countable assets, income under $967/month (2025)
• Must choose to receive services at home/community instead of nursing facility

Reality Check: The Big Sky Waiver has significant waiting lists throughout Montana. Current average wait time is approximately 125 days, but this varies by region and individual needs. Priority is not first-come, first-served but based on urgency of need.

Self-Direction Options

Montana’s Big Sky Waiver includes self-direction options that allow participants to:

• Hire, train, and manage their own caregivers
• Choose when and how services are provided
• Hire family members as paid caregivers (with some restrictions)
• Have more control over their daily care routines

Veteran-Directed Care Program

Montana AAAs coordinate with the VA to provide Veteran-Directed Care, which allows eligible veterans to:

• Self-direct their home and community-based services
• Hire caregivers including family members and friends
• Develop their own care plans with VA approval
• Receive services in their homes rather than VA facilities

Special Population Services

Rural Seniors and Families

Rural Montana presents unique challenges, with some counties having fewer than 2 people per square mile. AAAs have developed innovative approaches to serve rural populations:

Rural-Specific Adaptations:

• Mobile service delivery using RVs and specially equipped vehicles
• Satellite offices and outreach workers in remote communities
• Volunteer networks including ranchers and community members
• Technology solutions including telehealth and virtual services
• Partnerships with post offices, general stores, and churches
• Emergency supply programs for weather-related isolation

Challenges to Expect:

• Services may be cancelled due to severe weather
• Limited cell phone and internet coverage in some areas
• Long distances to medical care and services
• Seasonal access issues in some mountain communities
• Fewer service providers willing to travel long distances

Native American Seniors

Montana is home to seven reservations representing 12 tribal nations. AAAs coordinate with tribal governments and Indian Health Service to serve Native American seniors:

Tribal-Specific Coordination:

• Partnerships with tribal aging programs
• Cultural competency training for service providers
• Coordination with Indian Health Service facilities
• Respect for traditional healing practices
• Tribal liaison positions in some AAAs

Key Tribal Resources:

• Little Shell Tribe of Montana
• Blackfeet Nation
• Crow Tribe
• Fort Belknap Indian Community
• Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes
• Little Shell Tribe
• Salish Kootenai Tribes

Veteran Seniors

Montana has one of the highest per-capita veteran populations in the nation. AAAs coordinate extensively with the Montana Veterans Affairs Division and VA Medical Centers:

Veteran-Specific Services:

• Help applying for VA benefits and healthcare
• Transportation to VA medical facilities in Miles City, Fort Harrison, and Great Falls
• Assistance with VA pension and disability claims
• Coordination with Montana Veterans Service Officers
• Honor guard and burial assistance coordination

Key Resources:

• Montana Veterans Affairs Division: 406-324-3740
• VA Medical Centers in Miles City and Fort Harrison
• Montana Veterans Service Officers in most counties
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Ranch and Agricultural Families

Montana’s agricultural heritage means many seniors have unique needs related to ranch and farm operations:

Agricultural-Specific Services:

• Assistance with farm/ranch succession planning
• Coordination with agricultural extension services
• Understanding of seasonal work patterns and income
• Support for aging in place on remote properties
• Connection to agricultural safety programs

How to Access Services

Step 1: Call the Statewide Help Line

Dial 1-800-551-3191 from anywhere in Montana during business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM). This toll-free number connects you to your local AAA based on your location.

Step 2: Initial Information Gathering

AAA staff will ask questions about:

• Your location (county and nearest town)
• What type of assistance you’re seeking
• Your current living situation and transportation access
• Whether you have urgent needs requiring immediate attention
• Basic information about your resources and support system

This conversation helps staff understand your situation and determine the best way to assist you.

Step 3: Assessment (If Needed)

For ongoing services, you may need a more detailed assessment:

• Phone assessment for information and referral services
• In-person assessment at AAA offices or satellite locations
• Home visits for complex care coordination (may involve significant travel)

Assessments evaluate your functional abilities, safety concerns, support system, and service preferences.

Step 4: Service Coordination

Based on your assessment, AAA staff will:

• Explain available services in your specific area
• Help you apply for relevant benefits and programs
• Make referrals to local service providers
• Develop service plans for complex situations
• Provide ongoing case management as needed

Step 5: Ongoing Support

AAAs provide continued support through:

• Regular check-ins by phone or in person
• Help accessing new services as needs change
• Advocacy when problems arise with service providers
• Annual reassessments for waiver programs

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

These services are available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance for anyone
• Benefits counseling (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security)
• Legal consultations for seniors 60+
• Case management and care coordination
• ADRC information and options counseling

Donation-Based Services

These services have suggested donations but cannot turn away those unable to pay:

• Congregate meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
• Transportation ($3-10 suggested donation depending on distance)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-6 suggested donation per meal)

Income-Based Services

Some services use sliding fee scales based on income:

• In-home care services
• Adult day programs
• Respite care services
• Home modification assistance

Insurance and Medicaid Coverage

Many services can be covered by:

• Montana Medicaid including Big Sky Waiver
• Medicare (for medically necessary services)
• Private insurance
• Veterans benefits
• Other federal and state programs

Montana Financial Reality: Rural service delivery is expensive, which means:

• Services may cost more due to travel distances
• Waiting lists are common for popular services
• Weather can impact service delivery and costs
• Donations help programs maintain rural routes
• Some services may only be available seasonally

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards

All AAAs must meet federal and state standards for:

• Staff qualifications and ongoing training
• Service quality and safety protocols
• Financial management and accountability
• Non-discrimination and accessibility policies
• Consumer rights and confidentiality protections

Oversight and Monitoring

AAAs are monitored by:

• Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
• Federal Administration for Community Living
• Independent financial auditors
• Local advisory councils (required for each AAA)
• Consumer feedback systems

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about services:

1. Talk to your service provider first – Many issues can be resolved directly
2. Contact the AAA director – Each AAA has procedures for handling complaints
3. Call the Senior and Long Term Care Division – 406-444-4077 for state-level review
4. Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Available through AAAs for facility-related complaints

Your Rights

As a service recipient, you have the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect regardless of background
• Receive services without discrimination based on location, income, or other factors
• Have your personal information kept confidential
• Participate in decisions about your care and services
• File complaints without fear of retaliation
• Receive services that meet established quality standards

Resources by Region

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do Montana’s AAAs serve such vast rural areas?

Montana AAAs use innovative approaches including mobile service units, volunteer driver networks that cover hundreds of miles, satellite offices, and extensive phone-based services. Many AAAs coordinate with local businesses, post offices, and churches to reach isolated seniors.

What happens when weather makes services impossible?

Montana AAAs have emergency protocols for severe weather. They may pre-position emergency supplies, extend meal deliveries before storms, maintain emergency contact lists, and coordinate with local emergency services. Services resume as soon as safely possible.

Can I get services if I live on a ranch or farm far from town?

Yes, though service delivery may be less frequent due to distance. AAAs often coordinate rural services on specific days or routes. Some services can be provided by phone or through bulk delivery of supplies. Transportation for medical emergencies is prioritized.

Do services vary by season in tourist areas?

Yes, some AAAs adjust services based on seasonal population changes. Summer may bring additional resources but also increased demand. Winter services may be reduced in some resort areas but maintained for year-round residents.

How do AAAs coordinate with tribal services?

Montana AAAs work closely with tribal aging programs and respect tribal sovereignty. Services are coordinated through tribal liaisons, and AAAs ensure cultural competency in service delivery. Tribal members can access both tribal and AAA services as appropriate.

What if I need to travel long distances for medical care?

Montana AAAs prioritize medical transportation and may coordinate long-distance trips to specialty care in Billings, Missoula, or out-of-state facilities. Some programs use volunteer drivers, others contract transportation, and AAAs help coordinate lodging when overnight stays are required.

Can I get Big Sky Waiver services in very rural areas?

Yes, but service delivery may be adapted for rural areas. Personal care attendants may travel long distances, services may be bundled into fewer visits, and family members may be trained and hired as caregivers more frequently than in urban areas.

How do AAAs handle emergencies in remote areas?

AAAs maintain emergency contact lists, coordinate with local emergency services, and may pre-position emergency supplies. Personal Emergency Response Systems are prioritized for isolated seniors, and AAAs work with neighbors and local businesses for welfare checks.

What if my local AAA doesn’t have a specific service I need?

AAAs can coordinate with other agencies, help you access services in neighboring regions, or assist with long-distance travel to access specialized services. They may also help you apply for services through other state or federal programs.

Do Montana AAAs serve people who live part-time in the state?

Services are primarily for Montana residents, but AAAs can provide information and assistance to part-time residents. Some services may be available on a limited basis, and AAAs can help coordinate care with services in your other state of residence.

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Disclaimer

Program details, contact information, and services can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information as of August 2025, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with the relevant Area Agency on Aging before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

For the most current information, contact:

• Montana Aging Services Help Line: 1-800-551-3191
• Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: 406-444-4077
• Your local Area Agency on Aging

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking assistance.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including federal agency websites (HHS, ACL, CMS), Montana state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements.

Information Currency: • Last Updated: August 2025 • Sources Verified: August 2025 • Next Review: February 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available assistance programs.