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Lewis and Clark County, MT
Highlighting Helena
Change City

“Fighting for the 50+ Day at the Capitol” Shines a Spotlight on Key Issues Facing Older Montanans 

Posted on 01/31/25

AARP Montana Poll Reveals that Overwhelming Majority Want Property Tax Relief & Medicaid Expansion addressed in the 2025 Legislative Session 

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AARP Montana’s “Fighting for the 50+ Day at the Capitol” on February 10 brought together lawmakers with its executive council leaders, community team members, the Montana aging network and grassroots citizen advocates to shine a spotlight on the priority issues facing Montanans 50+.

"We know from polls and surveys that issues such as property tax relief, family caregiving, and health security are key concerns to older voters," says Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. "We also know that older voters across the state want their elected officials to address these issues." 

AARP Montana's “Fighting for the 50+ Day at the Capitol” kicked off with a live broadcast of the Voices of Montana statewide radio show. The show was hosted by Tom Schultz and co-hosted by Tim Summers for the day. Governor Greg Gianforte and several legislators joined them to discuss issues important to Montanans aged 50 and over.

🔊 Click to listen to the Voices of Montana Live Broadcast from our Day at the Capitol >>

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During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers are working to develop a new two-year state budget and are considering hundreds of bills. Many of the issues they consider will have a direct impact on Montanans 50 and older. 

🖼️ Scroll through a photo gallery below from the AARP “Fighting for the 50+ Day at the Capitol”

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AARP Montana, representing a substantial and active voting demographic, has outlined its top priorities that help address these key issues. These priorities not only impact older Montanans but also benefit families across the state. 

Property Tax Relief

One of the primary concerns for older Montanans is the burden of property taxes. According to a recent poll, an overwhelming 95% of Montana voters aged 50 and older support the state legislature providing lasting property tax relief. 

Retired Montanans pay their fair share of taxes, including property taxes and taxes on other forms of retirement income like pensions and 401Ks and Social Security income. They have long contributed to making Montana’s economy strong and continue to do so. 

To ensure that skyrocketing property taxes do not interfere with the desire and ability of older Montanans to age in their own homes and communities, AARP supports equitable and cost-effective property tax relief programs, like a Homestead Exemption on primary residents. These exemptions are the most common type of property tax relief and provide a partial exemption against the assessed value of a homeowner’s primary residence. 

Renewing Medicaid

Healthcare remains a critical issue for many Montanans 50 plus. The poll revealed that three-quarters of voters aged 50 and older favor renewing the Medicaid expansion program before it ends next June. This support spans across political lines, with 74% of voters (64% of Republican voters) aged 50 and older backing the renewal. Medicaid expansion currently provides essential health coverage to 18,550 Montanans ages 50-64 who otherwise would not have access to health care. The program has also been vital for maintaining the health and well-being of our communities, especially in rural areas. Since Medicaid was expanded 10 years ago, not one Montana hospital has closed. 

Supporting Family Caregivers

The 112,000 family caregivers in Montana play an indispensable role in providing an estimated 105 million hours of care annually, valued at $1.76 billion. AARP Montana's caregiving priorities include updating long-term care system policies, improving adult guardianship laws, and by authorizing “presumptive eligibility” under the Montana Medicaid Program for Home and Community-based services to help keep people out of expensive nursing homes.

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These steps are crucial for helping caregivers manage their responsibilities and ensuring that older Montanans can live independently in their own homes and communities, rather than in costly long-term care facilities.

Download AARP Montana's Legislative Priorities Factsheet >>

"We were so honored to have some many folks join us at AARP Montana’s ‘Fighting for the 50+ Day at the Capitol’ on February 10,” concluded Summers. “This event was a unique opportunity for the Governor, lawmakers, executive council leaders, community team members, the Montana aging network, and grassroots citizen advocates to come together and address the priority issues affecting Montanans aged 50 and over. Together, we can make a difference and ensure the voices of the 50+ community are heard loud and clear."

For those who were unable to attend, but still want to make their voices heard, can do so by visiting the AARP Montana Advocacy Action Center at aarp.org/MTAdvocacy, the Montana Legislature’s website at www.legmt.gov, or by calling 406-444-4800.

View the full survey results at aarp.org/MTpolling.

This story is provided by AARP Montana. Visit the AARP Montana page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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