Leaders in Montana, whose population is nearly half rural, credit Medicaid expansion as the reason their hospitals have largely avoided the financial crisis depicted by the report despite escalating costs, workforce shortages, and growing administrative burden.
Montana is the Treasure State, so of course rock hounding is a popular pastime. Montana's history is based on the discovery of gold, gems, and other minerals - today there are so many resources and groups for those who love rocks, gems, and geology.
It's been one of the most challenging winters in Montana for avalanche conditions. Weak early snowpack in several parts of Montana started off the season with a terrible base. Warm conditions, then large snow dumps haven't made for a stable back country experience for most of the season.
Tourists are paying big bucks for the "cowboy" experience. Three of the best dude ranches in the US are in Montana and guests aren't blinking at the price.