mt veterans Home/medicaid

Montana veterans homes

The State of Montana operates and manages the Montana Veterans’ Nursing Home in Columbia Falls and oversees a contract for the operation of Eastern Montana Veterans’ Nursing Home in Glendive. A third veteran’s home has recently opened, the Southwest Montana Veteran’s Home in Butte.

Both facilities are restricted to honorably discharged veterans who have served in the armed forces of the United States, and their spouses (spouses are admitted only if space is available). Eligibility for admission is determined without regard to race, color, sex, culture, social origin or condition, political or religious ideas, or ability to pay for the cost of care.

An applicant must meet the following criteria:

• be a veteran, spouse, or surviving spouse • be 55 years of age or, if younger than 55, an invalid and/or unable to earn a livelihood • meet medical and physical requirements for intermediate nursing care or domiciliary care • have the mental status necessary to function in a manner conducive to the safety and comfort of residents and staff

Residents pay on the basis of their ability. The Veterans’ Administration contributes toward the cost of care for each veteran; spouses do not qualify for this benefit. Cost per day is less than what is charged in most private or non-profit nursing homes.

Montana Veterans Home

A 105-bed skilled-care facility with a 15-bed Alzheimer’s unit. 400 Veterans Dr. Columbia Falls, MT 59912 406-892-3256 junderahl@mt.gov

Eastern Montana Veterans Home

An 80-bed skilled-care facility with a 16-bed special care unit. 2000 Montana Ave. Glendive, MT 59330 406-345-8855 emvh@midrivers.com

Southwest Montana Veteran’s Home

A Skilled Nursing Facility with five 12-person cottages on 10 acres. 65 Veterans Circle Butte, MT 59701 406-792-3100, ext. 3107 mark.gollinger@mt.gov

medicaid Nursing Home Medicaid Assistance

Medicaid helps pay for nursing home care for those who could not otherwise afford care. There are specific “resource limits” that must be met in order to receive Medicaid. Approximately 2/3 of all nursing home residents in Montana use Medicaid. Seniors who suspect that they will need Medicaid should contact their local Office of Public Assistance in order make an appointment with a case manager and start the application process.

To be eligible for medicaid in a nursing home, you must:

• Be 65 or older, blind or disabled • Be a U.S. citizen and have a Social Security number • Be admitted under a doctor’s order • Meet medical criteria needed for nursing home care • Meet the financial aid requirements • Undergo a pre-screening determination

Pre-screening appointments

Contact the Mountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation at 800-219-7035 or 406-443-0320 to set up your appointment.

Application Process:

Visit any Office of Public Assistance (located in every Montana county) to fill out an application. Eligibility is determined within 45 days of the date of application.

Contact:

Senior and Long Term Care Division (DPHHS) 1100 N Last Chance Gulch, 4th Floor Helena, MT 59601 P.O. Box 4210, 59604 800-332-2272 www.dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC