The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is designed to be a one-stop, highly visible local resource for seniors and the disabled to receive the information they need to make informed decisions. The first ADRC in Montana was created as a pilot program in Yellowstone County at the Yellowstone County Council on Aging . This occurred in October of 2003 when Montana was one of 43 states to receive a three-year ADRC grant. In 2006 the program was expanded to Missoula County and the other ten counties and two reservations of Area II Agency on Aging’s service area. Eventually ADRCs will serve the entire state of Montana. Resource Centers serve elders age 60 and older and people with physical disabilities over the age of 18.

The goals of the Resource Center include:

• To provide information and assistance to more seniors as the population ages.

• To provide assistance to persons with physical disabilities.

• To provide enhanced assistance to clients as they apply for publicly funded programs such as Medicare Part D, Medicaid, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid Waiver, Social Security, SSI, Food Stamps and LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program).

• To provide outreach and public education on long-term care topics.

• To develop statewide educational materials regarding Medicare Part D.
• To develop an Internet-based system for people to apply online to multiple public programs such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, LIEAP, Big Sky Rx, Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Aging Services programs. The system will limit repeated collection of the same information when clients apply for public benefits.