Before You Arrive

Who Can Stay?

Ronald McDonald House Missoula provides lodging for families traveling to Missoula for their child’s medical care.

Families may be eligible to stay, if:

  • A child age 21 or younger is receiving medical care in Missoula.
  • A mother is experiencing a high-risk pregnancy and needs to remain close to specialized medical care.
  • The family lives outside the Missoula area.
  • A referral is submitted by the family’s healthcare team.
  • Guests meet Ronald McDonald House Missoula’s guest eligibility and safety requirements.

Guests must be 18 years of age or older to register for a room. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an immediate family member who is at least 18 years old.

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Cost of Your Stay

The actual cost to Ronald McDonald House Missoula to provide lodging, meals, everyday essentials and family support is approximately $130 per family, per night. 

Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers and community partners, families are never asked to cover the full cost of their stay.

Families who are able, are invited to make a suggested contribution of $25 per night. No family is ever turned away or asked to leave because they cannot contribute. Our priority is making sure every family has a place to stay while their child receives medical care in Missoula.

If you are covered by Medicaid, please provide your Medicaid information as soon as possible. Medicaid may reimburse Ronald McDonald House Missoula for a portion of your stay. Our team can help you through the process.

Family members, friends, employers, churches or others may also choose to make a gift in support of your family’s stay. Please ask our team if you’d like more information.

How the Referral Process Works

Our referral process is designed to be as simple as possible, so you can get back to focusing on your child.

Step 1 | Your Healthcare Team Submits a Referral

A hospital social worker, case manager, nurse, or another member of your child’s healthcare team will submit a referral on your behalf.

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Healthcare Professionals:

Ready to refer a family? 

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Step 2 | Complete Your Registration

Once we receive your referral, we’ll email you the forms and information needed to complete your registration.

These may include:

  • Registration forms
  • Guest policies
  • Additional guest information
  • Medicaid information, when applicable
  • Other required documents

For the safety of everyone staying at Ronald McDonald House Missoula, all adults age 18 and older who will stay overnight or access a guest room must be registered and complete our required guest safety screening.

If another family member would like to stay with you or access your guest room during your stay, please talk with our Family Services team first so we can complete their registration and safety screening.

If completing forms electronically is difficult, don’t worry. Our team can help you over the phone or when you arrive.

Step 3 | We Review Your Referral

Once we have the information needed, our Family Services team will review your referral and stay request.

A referral is a request for lodging and does not guarantee that a room will be available.

Step 4 | We'll Keep You Updated

Our team will contact you as placement decisions are made.

If a room is available, we’ll contact you with information about your stay and arrival.

If a room is not immediately available, we’ll explain next steps and notify you when a room becomes available.

We understand that medical plans can change quickly. Please keep our Family Services team updated about changes to your child’s care, expected arrival time or lodging needs.

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