Health Insurance

Healthy Montana Kids

Healthy Montana Kids (HMK), Children’s Health Insurance Plan is just one of many Montana Healthcare Programs offering a free or low-cost health insurance plan which provides coverage to eligible Montana children up to age 19. Medical benefits are administered through the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Montana Provider Network, except for Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics and Community Based Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Support Services. Treatments and services must be medically necessary and the member must be enrolled at the time the service is delivered. Covered services include medical, dental, eyeglasses, and other related services.

Eligibility
Public Assistance Helpline
Office of Public Assistance contact information
(888) 706-1535

Medical Benefits
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
(855) 258-3489

Pharmacy, Dental and Vision Benefits
Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics and Community Based Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Support Services
Montana Healthcare Programs, Member Helpline
(800) 362-8312

Disclaimer: The information on this page was found at dphhs.mt.gov/hmk

Medicare

When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7 month initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B:

  • Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
  • Includes the month you turn 65
  • Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

If you wait until the month you turn 65 (or the 3 months after you turn 65) to enroll, your Part B coverage will be delayed. This could cause a gap in coverage. If you sign up during the first 3 months before you turn 65 your coverage will start the month you turn 65.

If you sign up for Part A (if you have to buy it) and/or Part B this month: You coverage starts:
The month you turn 65 1 month after you sign up
1 month after you turn 65 2 months after you sign up
2 months after you turn 65 3 months after you sign up
3 months after you turn 65 3 months after you sign up
During the Jan 1-March 31 Period General Enrollment July 1st

Please visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227 to speak to a Medicare representative.

Disclaimer: The information on this page was found at medicare.gov

The Affordable Care Act and You

The Affordable Care Act was signed into law March 23rd 2010 and affects the way we now buy health insurance. To read the full law please go to healthcare.gov. The basics are still in place though there have been a few changes, here are the main points:

  • Subsidies are available based on household size and income, however the only way you can obtain them is by going through the Healthcare Marketplace at healthcare.gov. There you can create an account, fill out an application and view the plans available to you provided by three different health insurance companies.
    • You can still purchase a policy directly through the carrier but you will not be eligible for a subsidy.
  • The penalty for not having insurance has been repealed, starting with the 2019 tax year you will not be penalized for not having health insurance.
  • The only time you can sign up or change policies is during Open Enrollment, which is currently November 1st through December 15th .
    • During the rest of the year you can only sign up or change policies if you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
    • A Special Enrollment Period is generally triggered by getting married, having a baby or adopting, or getting divorced. For a full list of qualifying Special Enrollment periods, please visit healthcare.gov.
    • If you lose qualifying health care you can visit healthcare.gov up to 60 days before and 60 days after to sign up for a new plan.

For more information please visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for Marketplace representative.
You can also call or stop by our office in Jordan, MT.

Disclaimer: The information on this page was found at healthcare.gov