Question 1

Is Direct Primary Care legal in Montana?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Montana has had a dedicated DPC law since 2021. The state enacted SB 101 on April 20, 2021, becoming the 31st state with DPC legislation, after earlier bills were vetoed in 2015 and 2017. It's codified at Mont. Code Ann. §§ 50-4-107 and 50-4-108. Montana's insurance commissioner had actually already issued written guidance back in 2017 clarifying that DPC practices aren't in the business of insurance.

Question 2

How much does Direct Primary Care cost in Montana?

Accepted Answer

Adult DPC memberships in Montana typically run $65–$149 a month. Family plans usually cost less per person, and kids' memberships run cheaper than an adult's. Prices vary by city and practice, so it pays to compare. Browse Montana practices to see real prices near you.

Question 3

Is a DPC agreement considered insurance under Montana law?

Accepted Answer

No. Under §§ 50-4-107 and 50-4-108, a direct patient care agreement is expressly not insurance and isn't subject to Montana insurance regulation. The 2017 insurance commissioner guidance said DPC agreements meeting a three-part definition (periodic fee, no fee-for-service billing, visit fee less than the monthly equivalent) aren't insurance products.

Question 4

Can a Montana DPC doctor also bill my insurance for the same services?

Accepted Answer

No. Montana law prohibits a DPC practice from billing a third-party insurer for services already covered under the DPC agreement. Per the insurance commissioner's definition, a qualifying DPC practice doesn't bill any third parties on a fee-for-service basis for those covered services.

Question 5

Can Montana DPC physicians dispense medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as of May 2021. Montana passed SB 374 on May 11, 2021, letting physicians dispense medications after registering with the Montana Board of Pharmacy (a $240 registration fee). Dispensing has to happen at the practice, only to the physician's own patients, and controlled substances are off the table. Before 2021, in-office dispensing wasn't allowed in Montana at all.

Question 6

What must a Montana DPC agreement include?

Accepted Answer

A written agreement covering services, fees, and how to cancel. Under § 50-4-107, it has to describe covered services and the periodic fee, spell out how either party can terminate (with notice of up to 60 days), and prominently disclose, per § 50-4-108, that it's not insurance and doesn't satisfy any federal health insurance mandate.

Question 7

Do I still need health insurance if I join a Montana DPC practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, DPC isn't a substitute for insurance. DPC covers most day-to-day primary care but not hospitalizations, ER visits, specialist care, or surgeries. Most Montana DPC members pair their membership with a high-deductible health plan for that coverage. Learn how DPC fits into your coverage.

Direct Primary Care
Doctors in Montana

Browse by city

Highest Rated

Montana DPC laws & FAQ

Direct Primary CareDoctors in Montana

Browse by city

Highest Rated

Montana DPC laws & FAQ

Direct Primary Care
Doctors in Montana