Aaron Bolton
Northwest Montana and Statewide Health Care ReporterAaron graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism in 2015 after interning at Minnesota Public Radio. He landed his first reporting gig in Wrangell, Alaska where he enjoyed the remote Alaskan lifestyle and eventually moved back to the road system as the KBBI News Director in Homer, Alaska. He joined the MTPR team in 2019. Aaron now reports on all things in northwest Montana and statewide health care.
Have a northwest Montana or health care tip/story idea? Email me at aaron@mtpr.org or call/text at 612-799-1269
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The Trump administration has reversed its decision to cut billions of dollars worth of grants for addiction and mental health care across the country. Grant recipients in Montana were taken off guard by the cuts and sudden reversal. -
Montanans have until Wednesday to enroll in a federal marketplace health insurance plan. Federal subsidies have expired and many Montanans will see their premiums more than double as a result, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health research group. -
Mobile crisis teams are struggling. These are the teams of mental health professionals that respond to behavioral health calls instead of police. Those programs don’t have reliable funding, and the teams that remain say they need help. -
Federal officials have reduced the number of vaccines recommended for children. Some state medical groups say they will continue to follow the old guidelines. Parents will need to talk to their doctor to get the shots that are no longer recommended for all children. -
Permitting for fast-tracked mining project in the Bitterroot moves forward; Trump AI order could undercut state regulations; Health Department applies for federal recertification of Montana State Hospital. -
Flu hospitalization numbers are double compared to this time last year. The state is offering low-cost radon tests for the month of January. A livestock animal from a Gallatin County ranch has tested positive for brucellosis. State officials say Montana has paid more than $100,000 in restitution to victims of fraudulent schemes.
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Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation that requires some people on Medicaid to prove they are working or lose health coverage.The state quickly submitted its plan to implement those work requirements. But the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will not consider the state’s request. -
Libby residents may not have access to drinkable tap water for some time. Lincoln County health officials issued a boil water notice last week. President Trump has approved an emergency declaration that allows up to $5 million in federal funding to support the health and safety of Montanans living in the affected areas. -
Gianforte requests federal disaster declaration due to northwestern Montana flooding; Feds delay Medicaid work requirement applications; 51 people arrested in St. Regis drug bust.
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An atmospheric river flooded Libby and Troy this week. Several bridges washed away and some homes were damaged. The water is receding and county officials are still assessing the damage.
