Paying for care in Montana
Getting paid to care for a family member in Montana
Yes. In Montana, a family member can be paid to give care through Self-Directed Community First Choice Services and Personal Care Services (SD-CFCS/PCS) and Big Sky Waiver (BSW). Whether a spouse can be paid depends on conditions, which the page on getting paid sets out with their sources.
Respite care for family caregivers in Montana
Yes. In Montana, family caregivers can get respite through two programs on record: Big Sky Waiver Respite Care and Montana Lifespan Respite Voucher Program.
Checked
Each fact on this page links to its official source and shows the date we checked it. How we verify
We do not sell your information. No sales calls, no lead forms.
Programs on record
-
Self-Directed Community First Choice Services and Personal Care Services (SD-CFCS/PCS)
Medicaid self-directed care
-
Medicaid waiver
The Big Sky Waiver program has a waiting list. Checked
-
Respite program
-
Montana Lifespan Respite Voucher Program
Respite program
Not taking applications. The program is not accepting voucher applications or processing reimbursement requests because its funding ended on June 30, 2026. An application for more federal funding has been submitted. Checked
How to apply
Self-Directed Community First Choice Services and Personal Care Services (SD-CFCS/PCS)
- How to apply
-
First get Medicaid approval: apply online at apply.mt.gov or call (888) 706-1535. Then schedule an assessment with the state's utilization review contractor, Mountain Pacific. Choose a provider agency and tell Mountain Pacific, which sends your authorization to that agency.
- Phone
-
Mountain Pacific, to schedule an assessment.
Big Sky Waiver (BSW)
- How to apply
-
Make a referral to the Big Sky Waiver through Mountain Pacific. Eligibility specialists at your county Office of Public Assistance can help you find out if you are eligible for Medicaid.
Source: Montana Big Sky Waiver Program (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care Division)Checked
- Phone
-
(800) 219-7035 or (406) 443-4020
Mountain Pacific, for a Big Sky Waiver referral.
Source: Montana Big Sky Waiver Program (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care Division)Checked
Big Sky Waiver Respite Care
- How to apply
-
Make a referral to the Big Sky Waiver through Mountain Pacific. Eligibility specialists at your county Office of Public Assistance can help you find out if you are eligible for Medicaid. Respite Care is one of the services the Big Sky Waiver lists, and the case management team plans your services with you.
Source: Montana Big Sky Waiver Program (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care Division)Checked
- Phone
-
(800) 219-7035 or (406) 443-4020
Mountain Pacific, for a Big Sky Waiver referral.
Source: Montana Big Sky Waiver Program (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care Division)Checked
Montana Lifespan Respite Voucher Program
- Phone
-
Emma Whitehead, for questions about the program.
Source: Montana Lifespan Respite Voucher Program / Application (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services)Checked
Sources
How we verify explains these dates.
- Accessing Community First Choice Services: A Guide to Self-Direction (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care Division) checked
- Home and Community Based Waiver Policy Manual, HCBS 730 Respite Care (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, August 1, 2011) checked
- Montana Big Sky Waiver Program (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior and Long-Term Care Division) checked
- Montana Healthcare Programs Messenger, Issue 32, November 2025: Big Sky Waiver (BSW) Care from a Family Member or Spouse (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services) checked
- Montana Lifespan Respite Voucher Program / Application (Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services) checked