Guide to Independent Living in Montana

Montana’s vast open plains, sparsely populated areas and few tall buildings have seen it dubbed “Big Sky Country.” With just under 1.1 million residents, it’s the third least densely populated state in the union, and its 65+ age group comprises an above-average 19.3% of the population. The state offers several financial incentives for retirees, such as its below-average cost of living and senior-friendly tax rates. There’s no state sales taxes, and property taxes are at the lower end of the scale for the country.

Independent living can be a good solution for relatively healthy seniors who prefer to live among their peers. Although each community is unique, a common theme is homes designed around older residents’ needs. Units may feature smaller rooms, low-maintenance surfaces and fewer steps. There will also be a lifestyle center that has spaces where residents can socialize and take part in games, sports and community-organized events. Many facilities also have spas, and some even have golf courses or putting greens.

This guide reviews the average costs of independent living and other types of senior care in Montana and neighboring states. It also lists some useful free resources for seniors.

How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Montana?

Note: There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.

Although Montana’s average independent living fee of $2,893 is below the national median of $2,925, it’s the highest when compared to the states sharing its borders. In Wyoming, the average senior pays $2,710 per month for independent living, while in Idaho, the median is $2,495. Fees are lower in the Dakotas with seniors in North Dakota paying $2,204 and $2,178 in South Dakota.

The Cost of Independent Living in Montana’s Top Cities

Of the three Montana cities included in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Great Falls’ average cost of $2,698 is the only one below the state median. Fees rise to around $2,967 in Billings, while the $3,023 typically paid in Missoula is the costliest in the state.

The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Senior Care

Although independent living doesn’t offer the health care services provided with other types of senior care, at $2,893 per month, it does offer a financially competitive alternative for residents with fewer health complaints. Assisted living also provides accommodations and amenities, but its health care services typically add another $1,557 per month to fees. The difference is greater when comparing independent living to nursing home care. The typical Montana senior pays $7,574 per month for a semiprivate nursing home room. Those who prefer to remain at home pay a premium for one-on-one services as homemaker and home health aide agencies charge around $5,339. Only adult day care centers have lower fees than independent living. However, at $2,600 per month, the $293 difference is less attractive when home maintenance costs are factored into the overall monthly bill.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Montana?

The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Montana to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Montana.

For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.

How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Montana

Many seniors use their savings and retirement incomes to pay independent living fees, while others employ alternative solutions. These include reverse mortgages, which are home equity loans that seniors don’t pay back until they or their families sell the home used as collateral. Many cash-value life insurance policies cover some or all independent living fees, while long-term care insurance is designed for this purpose. However, seniors should read the fine print as some policies may not pay all costs or cover the full period of time required in the independent living community. Insurance companies also offer annuity contracts where, for one-off or multiple payments, the company issues annuities to cover independent living costs over a predetermined period of time.

Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Montana

There are many government agencies and nonprofit organizations within Montana that provide free assistance to seniors. Those listed here can help people file their taxes, get legal representation on civil law matters, join nonprofits to help their communities and access the benefits they’re entitled to receive.

COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Montana Independent Living Communities

The following rules and guidelines were obtained from dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.

This data has been most recently updated on 2/8/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.

Visiting Loved Ones

Outings and Group Activities

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Safety Measures for Residents