Community Conversations: One Montana Voice

— May 1, 2025 —

Last night in Great Falls, we hosted a community roundtable to hear directly from local residents about the challenges they face accessing healthcare and essential services.

One story in particular stood out for its urgency and clarity.

A man spoke about being recently prescribed the medication Eliquis. He explained: “How am I going to come up with $400 for my Eliquis that I have to have? I went to the doctor yesterday, and my heart has AFib. And they have to stop my heart and restart it, because it’s that bad. But in order to do that, I have to be on Eliquis for six weeks. That’s expensive. And it’s, well, it’s $398. I don’t have that money. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

These comments were not isolated or theoretical. Over the course of the evening, participants also spoke about the housing crisis in Great Falls — including the estimated 550 known unhoused residents and rapidly rising rent prices. Two-bedroom apartments that once rented for $650 are now closer to $1,500.

Others raised concerns about union organizing, campaign strategy, and the disconnect they feel from national political messaging.

Amid these topics, one Montanan's need for a life-saving drug stood out as a powerful example of how policy decisions affect daily survival. It wasn’t the only story shared, but it became a moment that clarified what's at stake when basic needs go unmet and reflecting the real consequences Montanans face when essential medications and services are priced out of reach.

The man who spoke about Eliquis closed with a message that resonated with everyone in the room: “I don’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat. Just don’t lie to me. Just fix it.”

Montanans are not asking for special treatment. They’re asking for a healthcare system that doesn’t require people to choose between survival and affordability.

We are grateful to everyone who showed up and shared their stories in Great Falls. When we listen honestly to each other, we can begin to shape solutions that respond to the reality on the ground.