How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in Montana?

Asked by: Mariah Wolff  |  Last update: September 15, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (24 votes)

Q: How long will it take for the Office of Public Assistance (OPA) to process my application? A: The OPA has 45 days to process new applications for Medicaid. If you applied for SNAP at the same time, the state has 30 days to process that application.

How long does it take to get Medicaid in Montana?

If you are found eligible for Medicaid, you are considered insured from the point of your application date. However, receiving your actual Medicaid card may take up to 60 days ( ~2 months).

How long does it take to determine Medicaid eligibility?

Determinations of eligibility for all applicants seeking coverage on the basis of Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) must be completed within 45 days.

What is the timely filing limit for Montana Medicaid?

Refer to the NPI claims instructions on the Provider Information website to determine the reason your claims are denying, then correct and resubmit them within the 365-day timely filing limit.

Why am I not getting approved for Medicaid?

Not Financially Eligible

An applicant must meet the Medicaid resource and income limits and guidelines set by their state. Resources and income above the state limits may disqualify the applicant.

Experts give tips on how to renew Medicaid coverage in Montana

18 related questions found

How do I know if Medicaid is accepted?

To find out for sure if you're eligible for Medicaid, you must contact your state Medicaid agency.

What disqualifies you from Medicaid?

In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.

How do I check my Medicaid status in Montana?

You can check the status of an application through your account on the state's application website: www.apply.mt.gov. Your healthcare provider or pharmacy may also be able to look you up to see if you are approved for Medicaid.

Can Medicaid deny a claim?

Examples of why a claim might be denied: Services are non-covered. Beneficiary's coverage was terminated prior to the date of service. The patient is not a Medicaid/CHIP beneficiary.

How do I contact Medicaid in Montana?

Need help finding your local Office of Public Assistance, Enrolled Medicaid Provider, or Passport Provider? Call Montana Healthcare Programs, Member Help Line 1-800-362-8312, M-F, 8am-5pm, for assistance.

How to speed up the Medicaid process?

You can generally speed up your Medicaid application review process by making sure you completely fill out your application and include all required paperwork. If you fail to do this, your review could take longer. Keep in mind that once you're approved and enrolled, your eligibility will be reviewed every year.

How long does Medicare approval take?

Key Points. When applying during your Initial Enrollment Period, it may take about six weeks to get approval for your application. During a Special Enrollment Period, it can take at least 8 weeks or more to receive approval.

How often does Medicaid check your bank account?

Medicaid agencies can check your account balances for bank accounts at any financial institution you've used in the past five years. They will check when you submit an application and on an annual basis, but checks can occur at any time.

How long does it take for Medicaid to start?

For the most part, the date you become eligible is based on the date you apply for Medicaid, assuming you meet all of the eligibility requirements when you apply. The longer you wait to apply, then, the later your date of eligibility will be. The Medicaid agency usually has 45 days to process your application.

What is the look back period for Medicaid in Montana?

This is because Medicaid has a 60-month look-back period in Montana. During the look-back period, an applicant cannot gift assets or sell them for less than the market value, violating this rule will result in a penalty period, making you ineligible for Medicaid benefits.

Why did I get rejected from Medicaid?

The most common reason an applicant is denied Medicaid is income or assets above the eligibility criteria. In most states in 2025, an applicant's monthly income must be less than $2,901/month, and their assets (including money in bank accounts) must be less than $2,000.

What are 5 reasons a claim may be denied?

Six common reasons for denied claims
  • Timely filing. Each payer defines its own time frame during which a claim must be submitted to be considered for payment. ...
  • Invalid subscriber identification. ...
  • Noncovered services. ...
  • Bundled services. ...
  • Incorrect use of modifiers. ...
  • Data discrepancies.

How do I verify Medicaid eligibility in Montana?

Check member eligibility by calling Provider Relations at the telephone number below, by calling Integrated Voice Response (IVR) at (800) 714-0060, or accessing the Montana Access to Health (MATH) web portal.

How much money can I make and keep Medicaid?

Low-income working adults with no children are eligible for Medicaid if their state has expanded eligibility under the Affordable Care Act. In most states, these low-income adults need to make less than 138% FPL or $17,226 per year if they are the only person in their household.

How do I know if my Medicaid is active?

Contact your state Medicaid office

By providing some personal information, like your Social Security number or application ID, they can look up your current eligibility status and let you know if you have active coverage.

Does Medicaid actually check your income?

Some states use a computerized system to cross reference a Medicaid applicant's reported income. For instance, in California, an electronic database, the Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS), is used to match the income information provided by the applicant to other databases to verify it is accurate.

What triggers a Medicaid investigation?

Although each state statute is slightly different, MFCU investigations always involve: billing fraud involving the Medicaid program; abuse and neglect of residents within facilities that receive Medicaid payments; and. misappropriation of patient funds by such health care facilities.

What are the four types of Medicaid?

There are four types of Medicaid delivery systems:
  • State-operated fee-for-service (FFS)
  • Primary care case management (PCCM)
  • Comprehensive risk-based managed care (MCO model)
  • Limited-benefit plans.