According to a Montana Free Press-Eagleton Poll, conducted in late 2025 and early 2026, 67% of respondents cited “cost of services” as a major problem when it comes to accessing care. A smaller share, 42%, cited the stigma associated with receiving care as a major problem, while 47% said the same about the travel distance necessary to access services.
Author Archives: Mara Silvers
Mara Silvers has reported on health policy, social services, politics and the judiciary for Montana Free Press since 2020. She was a 2023 data fellow with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, where she reported on racial disparities in Montana foster care. Mara has also helped produce and report audio projects for MTFP, including The Session and Shared State. Prior to MTFP, Mara was a radio and podcast producer for Slate, WNYC and Montana Public Radio. Her work has been featured in ProPublica, The Guardian and NPR. She lives in Helena, where she was born and raised. Contact Mara at [email protected]
