Montana health insurance plans
How individual and family health coverage works in Montana, in plain language.
ACA Open Enrollment opens November 1st
Take a look at Montana plans, or go ahead and enroll yourself when it opens. Call if you need any help with your application.
Where Montana residents shop
Montana residents who buy their own coverage shop on HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) at www.healthcare.gov/montana/. That is also where income-based help with monthly premiums (premium tax credits) is applied. Enrollment follows the federal HealthCare.gov calendar.
Montana's SHIP counselors work through the state's network of Area Agencies on Aging rather than a single centralized call center, so a caller can often be connected with someone local to their part of the state rather than a statewide hotline.
Enrolling
Open enrollment dates are set by the marketplace and can change from year to year, so confirm this year’s window on the marketplace site before you plan around it. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
What affects the plans you see
- Where you live. Plans and premiums are set by area within Montana, so your county matters. Find your county.
- Income and household size. These determine help with premiums and whether you may qualify for Medicaid instead.
- Plan level. Metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) trade a lower monthly premium against higher costs when you use care.
Montana Healthcare Programs, run by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, handles Medicaid eligibility -- call the Member Help Line at 1-800-362-8312 for enrollment questions.
Montana has no state-built ACA exchange, so plan shopping and subsidy questions go through the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace.
Montana's SHIP counselors, coordinated through the Office on Aging, give free Medicare guidance at 1-800-551-3191, separate from Montana Medical Insurance's own free phone help.
Questions
Where do I shop for ACA health plans in Montana?
Montana residents shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) (https://www.healthcare.gov/montana/). An independent agent such as Lander LLC can explain the plans for you, but the marketplace is the only place premium tax credits are applied.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Montana?
Medicaid in Montana is run through Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) (https://dphhs.mt.gov/MontanaHealthcarePrograms/MemberServices). Eligibility depends on income, household size and other factors, and it is decided by the state, not by an insurance agency.
Who regulates insurance in Montana?
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (https://csimt.gov) regulates insurance companies and agents in Montana. You can use it to check that an agent or company is licensed and to file a complaint.
Is there free, unbiased Medicare help in Montana?
Yes. Montana SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) (1-800-551-3191) offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), separate from any insurance agency.
Does Montana Medical Insurance cost anything to use?
There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent. Insurance premiums and plan costs are set by the insurance companies and are separate from our help.
Questions about Montana health plans? Call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.