Montana VA Health Care System

03/06/2026

The Montana VA is hosting a Virtual Town Hall from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on March 12.

This Virtual Town Hall will discuss a variety of issues from Veterans benefits, community care, tele-health, travel benefits, and more.

Kim Adkins, the Montana VA’s Acting Executive Director, will host the virtual Town Hall to discuss how policies and programs have evolved and answer questions from Veterans.

“We are looking forward to updating Montana Veterans on our latest policies and programs,” said Adkins. “We are also excited to have a thoughtful conversation with Veterans to hear their feedback and address their questions and concerns. Their voices are important to us.”

The town hall conversation will take place on Thursday, March 12th, from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The event is accessible virtually by calling in at 866-478-3358.

Program experts will share overviews of their services and resources for the first section of the town hall. The final thirty minutes are reserved for a Question and Answer period for Veterans to ask questions.

Montana VA serves over 49,000 enrolled Veterans across Montana—an area roughly 147,000 square miles in size. Veterans are cared for by a staff of 1,400 at 18 sites of care across the state. One third of Montana VA employees are Veterans.

https://www.va.gov/montana-health-care/events/86782/

03/06/2026

Women Veterans deserve unique healthcare to meet their needs.

There are a variety of programs at the Montana VA dedicated to our Women Veterans. To learn more, visit us online at https://www.va.gov/montana-health-care/health-services/women-veteran-care/

Or click the link below.

03/05/2026

Veterans first...

Yesterday I told the American Legion- it’s a new day at VA. We’re slashing wait times and making it easier for our women Veterans to get the care they need. The mission is simple - Veterans First. Always.

03/04/2026

The VA offers a variety of education benefits for Veterans and their families. Did you get enrolled for YOUR G.I. Bill benefits?

Click the link below to learn more or verify your benefits.

GI Bill® students: Did you verify your enrollment for February?

All VA education beneficiaries, including Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) students, must verify their enrollment at the end of each month to receive benefit payments.

Learn more by visiting VA’s Verify School Enrollment webpage at https://www.va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment/.

03/04/2026

The 2026 Golden Age Games are coming!

And, the National VA Golden Ages Games registration opened February 18th Visually Impaired & Wheelchair Divisions.
https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-golden-age-games/

There is still time for Montana Veterans to sign up!

The Golden Ages Games are an annual VA event that allows Veterans to compete in over 20 sports events. Veterans will learn about the VA Golden Ages Games and registration information required for competition.

The Montana VA’s Recreation Therapy staff has information about the games and can assist Veterans interested in participating. Veterans can contact Recreation Therapist, Mike Bassett (Michael.bassett@va.gov ) if you are interested in applying for these National VA Events.

03/03/2026

Tax Season is upon us, and Veterans can get certain tax benefits.

Be aware of your benefits by clicking the link below!

Veterans, know which benefits are taxable and which are not. Knowing this information can help you accurately file your taxes and avoid unexpected surprises

• Non-taxable VA benefits: disability compensation, pension, health care, grants, and education assistance.
• Taxable: military retirement pay

Stay informed, take action, and make tax season a breeze!
news.va.gov/138085/tax-season-guidance-for-veterans/

Veterans who suspect they have experienced fraud can find out more and report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling (833) 38V-SAFE.

02/27/2026

February is National Rec. Therapy/ Creative Arts Therapy Month. February is coming to an end, but don't let that stop you!

At the Montana VA, our Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy program works all year around to offer YOU personalized therapies that help to increase your independence!

Imagine skiing again or hitting that mountain trail on a bike after all these years... The Montana VA's Rec Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy programs can get you there!

Treatment plans include:
Adaptive sports training
Outdoor recreation
Indoor recreation
Social programs
Creative Arts- painting, creative writing and more
Recreation and Leisure assessment and counseling
National special sports and art programs

If you are a Montana Veteran interested in Rec Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy talk to your provider and get a referral to Recreation Therapy, or contact the Montana VA Recreation Therapy office at 406-447-7759 to learn more.

02/27/2026

Mental Health Care is important for Montana Veterans. To meet the needs of our Veterans, the Montana VA has variety of programs in place.

To learn more about these programs, visit us online at https://www.va.gov/montana-health-care/ and begin your journey to a healthier you.

02/26/2026

Montana VA Health Care System will begin using ambient Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) scribe technology to assist with Veteran patient visits by taking notes.

The Montana VA is scheduled to begin using the A.I. scribe technology on a limited basis on March 2nd.

This cutting-edge tool will document a Veteran’s appointment allowing the provider to focus on the Veteran rather than taking notes. This technology is designed to reduce documentation burden and give providers more time to focus on what matters most, caring for our Veterans.

Montana VA providers spend hours each week completing notes, often after clinic hours. Ambient AI Scribe helps by listening quietly during visits and generating clinical notes, so providers can stay focused on Veterans—not the computer screen.

The Montana VA will begin using this Ambient Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scribe technology on a limited basis for Primary Care PACT Providers—including MDs, NPs, PAs, and Pharmacists.

KEY DETAILS FOR VETERANS:
• Veterans can DECLINE to have their provider to use this tool.
• The Ambient AI Scribe technology is currently being used on a limited basis.
• The Ambient AI Scribe technology follows strict data privacy protocols and fully complies with all VHA and HIPAA regulations to protect sensitive patient information.
• Ask your provider for more information about how this technology can enhance the Veteran’s patient experience.

The Montana VA is proud to partner with the VHA Digital Health Office (DHO) to bring this innovative technology to Montana Veterans. Veterans can learn more about the Ambient AI Scribe technology by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdKzyXTEWNw

Montana VA serves over 49,000 enrolled Veterans across Montana—an area roughly 147,000 square miles in size. Veterans are cared for by a staff of 1,400 at 18 sites of care across the state. One third of Montana VA employees are Veterans.

02/26/2026

Heart disease impacts Veterans at a disproportionate rate... To learn more about the Million Veteran Program and its efforts to combat heart disease among Veterans, click the link below!

As a Veteran, your military service may have exposed you to unique factors that can increase your risk of heart disease.
In addition to traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes, mental health concerns such as PTSD and depression can contribute to your risk.
The Million Veteran Program is studying ways to improve treatments for heart disease.
You can make a difference by joining MVP today. www.mvp.va.gov

02/26/2026

Don't miss out! The Montana VA Health Care System is hosting a virtual Women Veterans town hall, tonight at 5:00 p.m.

To join the conversation, Veterans can call (833) 560-2071. This town hall will be an audio-only event.

At the town hall, Women Veterans will have a chance to hear from their women-specific healthcare team and learn about services offered to all enrolled female Veterans. Some of these services include ultrasounds, mammograms, Pap and HPV tests, mental health care and counseling, lifestyle wellness services, menopause treatment (including hormonal therapy), pelvic floor support, and reproductive care.

Montana VA serves over 4,000 women Veterans. Each Montana VA primary care provider has national credentials specifically to provide women’s healthcare and Montana VA has numerous programs specifically to support women Veterans.

The second part of the town hall is held for Veterans’ questions. Representatives from Montana VA and the Veterans Benefits Administration will be available to provide answers.

02/26/2026

Winter weather can make it harder to get to appointments or know who to contact for care.

VA Health Connect helps you stay connected to your VA health care when travel isn’t safe. Call your local VA medical center at the number listed to talk with a nurse, schedule appointments or get help with prescriptions.

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