Medicare Open Enrollment Kicks Off in Montana — and Plans Are More Expensive Than Ever
More than 260,000 Montanans are being notified that they have until December 7 to enroll in a Medicare plan for next year. Some plans will see double-digit percentage increases in premium prices, while others will carry higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
Meanwhile, the 77,000 Montanans who purchase health insurance through the federal marketplace are waiting to learn how much more they’ll pay when open enrollment begins November 1.
Gianforte to Lead Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan
Governor Greg Gianforte began a one-week trade mission to South Korea and Japan on Sunday, joined by representatives from several industries, including agriculture and photonics—the science of light manipulation.
According to Gianforte, Montana has long shared a strong bond with both countries, forged through educational exchanges, trade in high-quality commodities, and shared respect for history and culture. South Korea and Japan remain among Montana’s top international trading partners.
Immediate Risk to SNAP Due to Federal Government Shutdown
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters at the White House that the food stamp program (SNAP) will run out of money on October 31.
If the shutdown continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has directed states to stop issuing SNAP benefits for November. In Fiscal Year 2024, about 81,500 Montanans received SNAP benefits—representing 7.2% of the state’s population.
Yellowstone Still Open
Despite the federal government shutdown, Yellowstone National Park remains open, and visitors report no noticeable impacts.
According to the Big Sky Business Journal, entrance fees are not being collected, but all other services are still being provided. All park roads—except the one between the North and Northeast Entrances—close to wheeled vehicles on October 31.
Many campgrounds, lodges, and visitor centers will close by the end of the month or in early November.
Prison to Replace Entire Water System — Delays Expected
Over the next 60 to 90 days, some inmates at the Montana State Prison near Deer Lodge will rely on portable utilities provided by the National Guard while the facility undergoes a complete water system overhaul.
The Department of Corrections will begin installing new water lines this week. The current system is more than 50 years old and has suffered repeated failures.
More Headlines
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Russel Cleveland will run as a Democrat for Congress in 2026, challenging Republican Ryan Zinke. The Navy veteran, who grew up in Stevensville, has a background in childcare and describes himself as independent-minded. A distant cousin of former President Grover Cleveland, he founded the childcare company Rocky Mountain Kids and says that, if elected, he hopes to make healthcare more affordable.
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The Missoula County Public School Board has approved a new policy allowing certain flags—including the Pride flag—to be flown on school property. The Pride flag was designated an official city flag of Missoula earlier this year, effectively circumventing Montana House Bill 819, which restricts flags displayed at government facilities.
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Great Falls College MSU has received a $1.4 million gift from the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Foundation to launch a first-of-its-kind Grid Operator Training Program in The Electric City. The funding will establish a Grid Operations Training Center, where students can earn North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) certification and prepare for high-demand careers managing the nation’s power systems.
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The Montana Meth Project has announced a new campaign against fentanyl, in partnership with Red Ribbon, the nation’s largest drug-use prevention initiative. For 20 years, the Meth Project has focused on methamphetamine prevention, but over the past two years, it has expanded its efforts to include opioids—especially fentanyl.
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The Butte-Silver Bow Tax Increment Financing Board is granting Monteriors $300,000 to help offset costs for building a new interior design store on Harrison Avenue in south Butte. The development agreement is not a grant but will be paid out over eight years. Monteriors also operates stores in Bozeman and Helena, and a fabrication shop behind its Butte location where it produces granite countertops.
