In Laurel, details thin about proposed state-run mental health facility
Details about the state’s proposed psychiatric facility in Laurel have been thin on the ground for local elected officials. The list of unknowns includes where exactly the state wants to build the 32-bed facility, the next steps for the project and what role, if any, local government officials will play in approving the plan.
Latest health Reporting
SNAP may be back, but new work requirements could mean some lose coverage
Under the new federal budget law, to be eligible for SNAP benefits, more people are required to show that they are working, volunteering, or studying. Those who don’t file paperwork in time risk losing food aid for up to three years.
Facing a subsidy sunset, Montanans brace for health insurance increases
For thousands of Montanans, the sudden end to the enhanced subsidies has made it financially painful or downright impossible to afford health insurance next year. Some are scrambling to come up with hundreds or thousands of dollars more a month to pay for insurance.
Malfunctioning equipment in Billings meth burn violated state clean air laws, investigation finds
The city of Billings could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines after state officials found malfunctioning equipment during a September meth burn violated clean air laws.
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UM, Providence announce partnership with goal of improving rural health care
A collaboration between the University of Montana and Providence health care system aims to improve care by combining the institutions’ researchers, data and clinicians to bring state-of-the-art treatment to rural communities.
Addiction monitoring company for medical professionals plans to exit state contract in January
The national private company operating a highly scrutinized addiction monitoring program for nurses, doctors and other medical providers will exit its contract with Montana’s labor department at the end of January 2026, launching a sprint to find a new vendor.
Nurses, doctor sue Montana recovery program in class-action lawsuit
A group of Montana doctors and nurses is suing the national company that runs a rigorous, often mandatory monitoring program for health care providers struggling with addiction. The case is the latest instance of public criticism about how the state-mandated program for more than 60,000 medical licensees is operating.
BNSF Railway fights Libby asbestos case in federal appeal
Attorneys for the railroad and two plaintiffs who died of asbestos-linked lung cancer squared off in front of a panel of judges at the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Members of the three-judge panel appeared skeptical of plaintiffs’ claims that the railway should be held liable for past contamination at its rail yard site.…
Why two Libby asbestos victims may never receive an $8 million judgment
In a court appearance before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, attorneys for BNSF Railway are expected to push to reverse a 2024 jury verdict stemming from Libby’s asbestos contamination, arguing that the company didn’t know it was transporting hazardous materials. In court filings, BNSF has also said it is protected by a federal…
Billings advocates want their city in the running for new state psychiatric facility
State health officials want to build a 32-bed facility in eastern Montana for treating mental health patients who have been charged with crimes. Community leaders in Billings, the state’s largest city, have formed a group to talk through concerns that have spurred opposition to a Billings location for the facility.
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MORE HEALTH REPORTING
‘It’s not working’: Addiction assistance program for doctors, other health care professionals could see overhaul
The state-contracted rehabilitation and monitoring program for doctors, nurses and other health care professionals struggling with addiction and mental health issues may be headed for an overhaul.
Nuclear missile workers are contracting cancer. They blame the bases.
Within the community of U.S. service members who staff nuclear missile silos scattered across the Northern Rockies and Great Plains, suspicions had long been brewing that their workplaces were unsafe.
A bill to shield patients from medical debt failed this year in Montana
In Montana, legislation to shield a portion of debtors’ assets from garnishment easily passed a committee. Supporters hoped the measure would be particularly helpful to Native American patients, who are disproportionately burdened by medical debt. But it later died on the House floor.
Burning questions hang over the Billings methamphetamine incineration
Questions continue to linger about how a government-sanctioned burn of methamphetamine at a Billings animal control center sent odors and smoke seeping through the facility, sickening more than a dozen people.
After surprise $97,998 medical bill, Bozeman woman fights charges
A Bozeman woman who broke her arm in a fall about two months after losing her health insurance faced a massive surprise medical bill when her surgery cost nearly $50,000 more than the local hospital quoted her.
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