Assisted Living in Montana: A Family Guide

Facts checked September 28, 2026 against official Montana sources

What assisted living is called in Montana, what it costs, how Medicaid can help, how to check a community’s license and inspections, and who to call if something goes wrong. Every fact links to the official source.

Licensed by

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Office of Inspector General, Licensure Bureau¹

Licensed communities on Lilisity

0 assisted living

Medicaid help

Yes: Big Sky Waiver²

Typical cost

$6,075 a month (state median, CareScout 2025)

Long-term care ombudsman

(800) 332-2272³

What assisted living is called in Montana

• Category A assisted living facilityThe basic assisted living license.⁴
• Category B assisted living facilityMay give skilled nursing care to five or fewer residents.⁴
• Category C assisted living facilityServes residents with cognitive impairments, such as dementia.⁴
• Category D assisted living facilityServes residents with mental disorders who may at times be a danger to themselves or others.⁴

Memory care rules

Montana licenses assisted living that serves residents with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, as Category C. A Category A facility can add Category C services with state approval.⁴

Questions to ask memory care about nights.

What assisted living costs in Montana

The median cost of assisted living in Montana is $6,075 a month, below the national median of $6,200 (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, collected July to November 2025). Prices vary with the apartment, the level of care and the community, so ask each one for its current rate sheet, including care-level fees.

Plan with our free tools: how long will the money last? and home care or assisted living?

Paying for assisted living in Montana

Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Families pay from savings and income, long-term care insurance, or benefits such as VA Aid and Attendance (estimate it). Who actually pays for long-term care.

Medicaid. Montana's Big Sky Waiver can help pay for care in assisted living, but slots are limited and there is a wait list. The state also holds a pool of assisted living 'at risk' slots for residents who have used up their money during their stay and are at risk of moving to a nursing home. Program: Big Sky Waiver.² Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living in any state, and not every community accepts it, so ask each one.

How to check a community in Montana

Look up a license. DPHHS links to a public facility search where you can look up licensed providers by name, city, county or zip code. Search Montana’s records.⁵

Always visit in person, at a mealtime or in the evening if you can. Bring the tour scorecard and the 8 tour questions.

If something goes wrong

Abuse, neglect or exploitation. Call 1-844-277-9300. How to report.⁶ If someone is in danger, call 911.

The long-term care ombudsman is a free advocate for residents of assisted living and nursing homes: they help resolve problems with a community, including move-out notices. Call (800) 332-2272 or find your local ombudsman.³

Find assisted living in Montana

Every community and county in Montana

Sources

1. Licensing agency (dphhs.mt.gov)
2. Medicaid (dphhs.mt.gov)
3. Ombudsman (dphhs.mt.gov)
4. License types, memory care rules (mca.legmt.gov)
5. License lookup (mt-reports.com)
6. Reporting abuse (dphhs.mt.gov)
7. CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025 (state medians)

Facts checked against these official sources on September 28, 2026. Rules and programs change; confirm with the agency before making a decision. General information, not legal or financial advice.