FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 18 2025
Contacts:
Kaitlin Price, Office of the Governor
Jon Ebelt , Department of Public Health and Human Services
Governor Gianforte, DPHHS Launch Housing Support Services for Montanans with Behavioral Health Needs
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte announced today the launch of a new Medicaid-funded to support eligible Montanans with housing-related needs as part of the state’s Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) program.
The new service will help individuals with behavioral health needs secure and maintain stable housing. By offering this service through Medicaid, Montana joins a growing number of states recognizing the critical connection between housing stability and improved mental and physical health.
“The shortage of affordable, attainable housing is affecting all Montanans, and for those dealing with addiction or mental health needs, this new service will help come alongside them to support their success,” Governor Gianforte said. “Through this innovative program, we’re helping our most vulnerable neighbors find safe, stable housing and the services they need to live healthier lives. It’s a common-sense step toward continuing to address homelessness, addiction, and behavioral health challenges in our state.”
Tenancy supports include assistance with locating and applying for housing, developing individualized housing support plans, navigating landlord relationships, and connecting to community resources. Funding is also available through the program to help cover security deposits and application fees.
These supports are now available to qualifying Medicaid members who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and have qualifying behavioral health needs. Participants must be enrolled in Medicaid and meet clinical and housing-related eligibility criteria.
“We know that many Montanans struggling with addiction and mental illness also struggle with finding and keeping stable housing,” Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton said. “By offering several targeted housing supports through Medicaid, we can better serve individuals with behavioral health challenges and support their journey toward well-being and independence.”
DPHHS is building a network with local service providers and housing organizations across the state to deliver support where the greatest need exists. While tenancy supports do not cover rent or utilities, they are designed to complement existing housing assistance programs by helping participants access and retain safe, stable housing.
“We have found that the biggest predictors of success in long-term recovery are the social determinants of health, and chief among these are meaningful work and safe, sober housing,” said Megan Farmer, executive director of Dynamic Recovery Executive of Great Falls. “Our ability to provide tenancy support services through HEART gives our clients a fighting chance, including helping them to learn the skills to maintain housing long after they complete our services.”
In 2024, after several years of policy design and negotiation with the federal government, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved an 1115 waiver sought by DPHHS to provide three new Medicaid-funded services as part of HEART.
In addition to tenancy supports, the waiver also includes contingency management, the most effective evidence-based treatment for stimulant use disorder, and justice-involved reentry services, which provide a limited set of services to eligible incarcerated individuals in the 30 days before their release from the state prison system. Both contingency management and justice-involved reentry services are expected to launch later this year.
In 2022 through HEART, Montana also received federal approval to allow larger licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers to receive Medicaid reimbursement for short-term acute inpatient and residential stays at facilities that meet the definition of an institution for mental disease (IMD). IMDs are facilities with more than 16 beds. Now, more than 1,300 Montanans benefit from this service each year in five SUD IMD facilities across the state.
DPHHS encourages Medicaid members, care providers, and housing organizations to learn more about the new services, how to make referrals, and how to become a participating provider. Additional information, including eligibility details and referral guidance, is now available on the DPHHS website.
This new support service is an opportunity for organizations that provide housing services to receive Medicaid reimbursement for their work. Non-traditional providers interested in enrolling in Medicaid can learn more here.