With SNAP Cuts Looming, Gianforte Says Montana Won’t Pay to Maintain Food Assistance Benefits
Governor Greg Gianforte announced that he will not authorize state dollars to cover the cost of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which will run out of funds starting Saturday. The lapse will leave many Montanans without the average $332 per month that helps SNAP households afford groceries.
Montana Insurance Rates Could Spike in 2026 if Congress Doesn’t Extend ACA Subsidies; Marketplace Enrollment Opens November 1
Millions of Americans face significantly higher health insurance costs in 2026 if Congress does not extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies which are set to expire at the end of 2025. These enhanced subsidies were originally passed in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and were extended through 2025 by the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. In Montana Insurance Commissioner James Brown’s Office has received 2026 expected rate increases from the three companies that serve Montana but until the situation in Washington is resolved that is in flux.
Montana Insurance Commissioner James Brown
The two-month insurance marketplace enrollment period opens November 1st in Montana.
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Opens Public Comment on Hunting Regulations Ahead of December Decision
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks has posted hunting regulation proposals for public review and comments; all will be available by Thursday. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will decide on the regulations at their Dec. 4 meeting in Helena. The deadline for public comments on the proposals is Nov. 23.
State Funding Boost Keeps Meals on Wheels Program Moving
Even though the federal SNAP food assistance program has been halted for November, approximately $6.7 million in state funding for 2025 will continue to be distributed across Montana’s nine Area Agencies on Aging. The agencies operate senior centers, offer in-home assistance, provide caregiver support, and help with Medicare consultations. This year, the senior assistance organizations also received an additional $2 million budgeted in the state’s general fund.
Medicare Advantage Plans Will Have Limited Availability in 2026
Some Montana residents enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans have received letters notifying them that these plans will no longer be offered in select counties in 2026. Anyone who received such a letter should keep it as proof that they qualify for a special right to purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy. Affected individuals will also be granted a special enrollment period, allowing time to choose new coverage without penalty.
The Signal Stays Local: Inside the Chippewa Cree Tribe’s Self-Run Network
The Chippewa Cree Tribe now operates its own internet provider, Buffalo Rock Communications, which will serve homes, health centers, schools, and businesses for the 7,357 members living on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation in north-central Montana. Alongside the Tribe’s recently launched, self-funded government building project, the new network represents an ongoing investment in sovereignty through infrastructure—keeping both service and revenue within the community.
Public Service Commission Taps New President
Jeff Welborn will lead the Montana Public Service Commission after commissioners voted Tuesday to replace ousted President Brad Molnar. The all-Republican commission voted 3–2 in favor of seating Welborn as president, with Molnar and Commissioner Randy Pinocci voting no. Molnar had held the leadership post since January.
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The $26.5 million design phase for the Whitefish Independent High School academic expansion project has been completed, while the $6.1 million athletic expansion design is expected to wrap up soon. The final project will include multi-purpose facilities, a new 10-lane track and football field, and a 1,500-seat grandstand.
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More than 100 students, faculty, and chaperones from across Montana gathered in Helena this week for the 2025 Jobs for Montana’s Graduates LEAD Conference. The hands-on leadership development event helps young Montanans build the skills, confidence, and connections needed for success after graduation.
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A new Montana State University–Billings poll released Tuesday shows that political polarization persists among residents, even as many share common ground on key issues. The poll surveyed 854 Montanans prior to the federal government shutdown.
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A trust fund established by the now-bankrupt Pegasus Gold Corporation to pay for water treatment at its former gold mine in Montana’s Little Rocky Mountains is running out of money. Originally designed to generate enough interest to sustain operations, the fund’s principal is now insufficient given current interest rates.
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RiverStone Health in Billings is hosting a “Hidden in Plain Sight” exhibit to educate parents and guardians about tobacco and vaping products used by teenagers. The interactive exhibit, designed to look like a teenager’s bedroom, allows parents to explore how these products may be disguised and provides tips for talking with teens about the risks of tobacco and vaping.
