Montana Medicaid & Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Plus
Last updated August 2026
Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Plus are free or low-cost health coverage for low-income Montanans. They pay for care that is medically necessary and given by a Montana Medicaid provider. Apply online at apply.mt.gov, or call the Office of Public Assistance at 1-888-706-1535 with questions about applying and eligibility.
Montana expanded Medicaid through the HELP Plan, which stands for Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership. This covers low-income adults, not just families with children. So a single adult with low income may qualify. Each group has its own pathway, so apply even if you were turned down before.
Healthy Montana Kids is Montana's Children's Health Insurance Program. It gives free or low-cost coverage to eligible children up to age 19, including medical, dental, and eyeglasses. Children in Healthy Montana Kids programs get 12-month continuous coverage, so their coverage stays steady for the year.
Once you are covered, call the Member Help Line at 1-800-362-8312, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. That line answers questions about your benefits, a lost card, or finding a provider. You can also find a Passport to Health primary care provider through that line. If you do not pick one, a provider is assigned for you.
Report a pregnancy, or a change to a pregnancy, to the Office of Public Assistance. You can do that at apply.mt.gov, in writing, or by calling 1-888-706-1535. Keeping your information current helps your coverage continue without gaps.
The same apply.mt.gov application covers Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF cash, so a parent can add the children in one place. Whether you qualify is up to the program, not this page. While your application is processed, dial 2-1-1 to find a community health center.
Phone 1-888-706-1535
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Montana residents who meet the income rules for their group; adult coverage expanded to low-income adults ages 19 to 64 under the Montana HELP Plan
- Children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities each have their own pathway, so apply even if you were denied before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at apply.mt.gov, or call the Office of Public Assistance at 1-888-706-1535.
- 2
Have proof of identity, income, and Montana residency ready.
- 3
Low-income adults ages 19 to 64 can ask about the HELP Plan; children up to age 19 can apply for Healthy Montana Kids.
- 4
After approval, call the Member Help Line at 1-800-362-8312 for benefits and provider questions.
- 5
Report any pregnancy or change to a pregnancy to the Office of Public Assistance.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income and Montana residency
- Immigration or citizenship documents where they apply. The Office of Public Assistance confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Can a low-income adult without children qualify?
Yes. Montana expanded Medicaid through the HELP Plan, which covers low-income adults, not only families with children.
How are children covered?
Healthy Montana Kids covers eligible children up to age 19, including medical, dental, and eyeglasses, with 12-month continuous coverage.
How do I apply?
Apply online at apply.mt.gov, or call the Office of Public Assistance at 1-888-706-1535. The same application also covers SNAP and TANF.
Who do I call about my benefits?
The Medicaid and HMK Plus Member Help Line is 1-800-362-8312, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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