Montana

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The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Montana. If you currently have health insurance or have just lost health insurance coverage within the past 60 days, visit the health insurance section of our Web site for options available to you. 

Montana Department of Insurance - (800) 332-6148
In Montana, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down for an individual policy in Montana, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.

If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Department of Insurance. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

Montana Medicaid - (800) 362-8312
Medicaid is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information.

Montana Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA) - (800) 477-7828 ext. 8537
MCHA is the Montana state high-risk pool. This program allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to people who might otherwise be considered “uninsurable” because of a chronic illness. You may be required to satisfy a pre-existing condition period under MCHA. If so, your monthly premium will be subsidized 65% during the pre-existing condition period. In addition, there are a number of health plan options to choose from. Contact MCHA for more information.

Montana Children’s Health Program (MTCHIP) - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (800) 543-7669
MTCHIP is the children’s health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens up to age 19 whose families may have too great an income to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. Visit the Web site to find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines.

Beginning October, 2004, MTCHIP began a waiting list for children to begin coverage. To get your child on the waiting list, please contact MTCHIP for more information.

If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.

Having trouble finding or keeping adequate or affordable health insurance coverage? Become a diabetes advocate!