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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Montana wildlife officials warn residents to check boats for invasive mussels, Congress honors Montana 'transportation innovators,' and a Bozeman man arrested by ICE pushes back. -
As of July 1, Montanans on certain Medicaid programs will be required to work or volunteer 80 hours every month or file for an exemption. The state is among the first in the country to roll out work requirements under a federal law passed last year. But, officials haven't finished setting up everything they need to implement the new rules. -
Veterans Affairs appoints a new director for Montana, and a large conservation easement is proposed in Central Montana.
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Inflation is driving rising demand and cost for food banks. Groups file lawsuit over water pollution exemption near Valier -
Gov. Greg Gianforte and state health officials have agreed to withhold a pay bump for Medicaid providers. The move will resolve a budget shortfall for the public health insurance program. -
Gov. Greg Gianforte and his wife Susan donated a $5 million Helena mansion to the state this week. A massive forest management proposal in northwest Montana is ready for public comment. Military troops will be working on the Bitterroot National Forest this summer to help with much-needed infrastructure improvements.
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Mental and behavioral health services like in-person support during a crisis or substance use treatment might soon become more accessible in the state. Montana is among 10 states participating in a federal program that will provide the funding needed to expand this care.
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Federal officials released the final rules for Medicaid requirements this week. Hiding among the nearly 400 pages of regulations is a significant change that could make it harder for Montanans to stay on the public health insurance program. -
Two federal scientists based in Montana have been charged for allegedly smuggling samples of a virus into the country earlier this year. They work for Rocky Mountain Laboratories, a high-level research facility in the Bitterroot Valley. The lab studies infectious diseases and is overseen by the National Institute of Health. -
A major health insurance company is leaving Montana, saying it’s no longer profitable to do business in the state. The move will force about 11,000 Montanans to choose different health plans next year. It’s part of a nationwide trend.
