Health care

Medicare open enrollment has begun, and Montana medical providers want seniors to understand the tradeoffs that come with Medicare Advantage plans run by private insurance companies.

Browning’s VA clinic will reopen its doors to veterans on Nov. 19 after being closed for more than four years; The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation this week started the first in a series of pile burning operations in western Montana; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks director Dustin Temple is retiring after two decades at the agency.

Hospitals in Montana are grappling with a nationwide shortage of IV fluids. Hospitals are conserving supplies so they can continue to treat patients.

Half of Montana is considered a maternity care desert. That’s according to a recent report. Lack of care can lead to poor health outcomes for moms and babies.

Enrollment for the federal health insurance marketplace opens Friday.

More than 250 Montana health care providers have signed a letter in support of protecting abortion access in the upcoming election.

The open enrollment period for Medicare starts Oct. 15. People can change both their medical and drug coverage until Dec. 7.

As Montana’s population ages, providers serving low-income seniors say more people aren’t getting the care they need as they wait to get on Medicaid. Montana lawmakers are considering creating a shortcut to that care.

The Montana Supreme Court upheld a temporary block Wednesday on laws that would restrict access to abortion while a lawsuit continues to play out in district court.

From abortion access to getting timely care, health care reporter Aaron Bolton spoke with MTPR's Elinor Smith about the context behind some voters' concerns.