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Access to Care

CHIP Priority Area

Community living is the ability of individuals to remain in their homes, maintain independence, and engage in social life. It especially applies to people with disabilities and people who are aging.

In this priority area, two goals were selected. Missoula Aging Services oversees both goal areas.

Goal 1: Increase Access to Health Services

Increase the number of people in Missoula County that access appropriate health services.

Objective:

Increase attainment of health insurance for Missoula City and County peoples

Strategies:

Community partners selected the following strategies to achieve this:

  • Increase Medicaid enrollment in Missoula County.
  • Increase Medicaid enrollment for Indigenous residents of Missoula County.
  • Increase Affordable Care Act enrollment in Missoula County.

Cover Montana oversees Goal 1.

Goal 2: Prevention through Risk and Protective Factors

Look upstream to prevent issues related to Behavioral Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorder by enhancing protective factors and reducing risk factors.

Objective 1:

Strengthen the network of services and support systems that enable individuals to maintain independence and participate fully in their communities

Strategies for Objective 1:

Community partners selected the following strategies to achieve this:

  • Assess gaps and work to secure funding to improve in-home services.
  • Explore options to enhance or supplement public transit.
  • Provide caregivers with resources and training, including access to respite care and mental health support, to sustain their vital roles effectively.
  • Partner with local organizations and government programs to expand home modification and chore services.

Objective 2:

Advocate for affordable and suitable housing to meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.

Strategies for Objective 2:

Community partners selected the following strategies to achieve this:

  • Partner with existing housing advocacy groups to advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize affordable, accessible housing.
  • Create and sustain a shared data resource on affordable and suitable housing needs.