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Nursing Homes in Wyoming
Wyoming is an appealing retirement destination thanks to its senior-friendly tax policies, low crime rates and affordable cost of living that’s just below the national average. The state’s 98,967 senior citizens have access to skilled care from home and community-based service providers as well as institutional health care facilities. Wyoming has 33 regional medical centers and 37 licensed nursing facilities.
Nursing homes provide 24-hour medical care to 2,224 residents who are aged, disabled or recovering from an injury or illness. These facilities are suitable for residents who don’t need to be in a hospital but require skilled care beyond what an assisted living facility or home health aide can provide. According to data from Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, nursing homes in Wyoming typically charge $8,258 for a semiprivate room and $8,714 for a private room, which is slightly higher than the national average.
Start planning for the future by reviewing this guide. It features a comparison of long-term care costs and helpful information about financial assistance programs, state regulations and nonprofit resources.
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Wyoming
Nursing homes in Wyoming charge $8,258 per month, on average, according to research from Genworth Financial. Rates are slightly higher than the U.S. median of $7,756 and typical of most states in the region. Seniors in Utah save $1,870 per month on long-term care where rates are well below the national average. Nebraska and South Dakota are more affordable by a margin of $1,064-$1,247. Median nursing home prices are just below the national average in Montana at $7,665, which provides a monthly savings of $593. Conversely, seniors in Colorado and Idaho pay $259 and $411 more per month for nursing home care than their counterparts in Wyoming.
The average cost of nursing home care in Wyoming’s largest cities is slightly higher than the state median. However, data is limited since there are only two metropolitan areas and seven micropolitan areas. At $8,971, Laramie is the most expensive option, with rates that are similar to Fort Collins, Colorado. Cheyenne and Casper are slightly more affordable, with average costs of $8,547 and $8,456, respectively. However, rates in these communities are still $198 to $289 higher than the state median. Seniors may also look for out-of-state care. Nursing home prices are on par with the U.S. median of $7,756 in Billings, Montana. Nursing homes in Rock Springs, not far from Utah, are comparatively affordable with a median price of $5,627.
Casper
$8456
Cheyenne
$8547
Laramie
$8971
Rock Springs
$5627
Billings, MT
$7756
Nursing home care, which costs $8,258, is just one option for seniors to consider. Older adults who want to remain in their own home may benefit from homemaker services that cost $5,362 per month, on average. With medical support, these services cost $5,552 per month. Assisted living facilities provide apartment-style accommodations and one-on-one personal care at an average cost of $4,175. Adult day health care programs offer recreational activities in a group setting at a comparatively affordable rate of $3,250, which is almost double the national average.
In-Home Care
$5362
Home Health Care
$5552
Adult Day Care
$3250
Assisted Living Facility
$4175
Nursing Home Care
$8258
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, Medicaid covers nursing home care, which may include room and board, daily nursing, medications, therapy and other services to address a resident’s physical, psychological and social needs. At the end of fiscal year 2020, the Wyoming Department of Health reported that 75,360 people had enrolled in Medicaid at some point. The state’s Medicaid enrollment averaged 55,874 members per month during the same year.
Wyoming has the smallest population of any state, so it has just 36 certified nursing facilities. For people who want to remain in their homes even though they require a nursing home level of care, Wyoming Medicaid offers the Community Choices Waiver program, which aims to protect the welfare of Medicaid members while reducing the cost of needed services.
Medicaid Eligibility in Wyoming
When determining eligibility for Medicaid, the Wyoming Department of Health reviews each applicant’s income and assets. Single applicants have an annual income limit of $32,904 and an asset limit of $2,000. For two-person households, the limit depends on how many people are applying for coverage.
If only one person needs Medicaid nursing home coverage, the income limit is $32,904 per year for the applicant. While the applicant is limited to $2,000 worth of assets, the non-applicant spouse is allowed to have up to $148,620 worth of assets. The higher asset limit for non-applicants is the result of the Spousal Impoverishment Act, which was passed to prevent one spouse from moving into a nursing home and leaving the other spouse living alone with a lack of financial resources. If both spouses need Medicaid coverage, the asset limit increases to $3,000, but the income limit remains at $32,904 per person ($65,808 total).
A public health nurse must also complete a needs assessment to confirm that an applicant requires a nursing home level of care.
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two People | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two People | 2 | $65,808*** | $3,000 |
* Except for a $50/mo. personal needs allowance, Medicare premiums and possibly a spousal income allowance for a non-applicant spouse, all of a recipient's monthly income must be put toward the cost of nursing home care.
** Income limit is for applicant only.
*** Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
Applicants must also meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Wyoming resident
- U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident who has lived in the United States for a minimum of five years
- Verified as eligible for SSI or hospitalized for 30 days
Blind, disabled or 65+
How to Apply for Medicaid in Wyoming
To apply online, visit the Wyoming Healthcare Financing website and click the Apply Now button to access the Medicaid/CHIP Web Portal. Each applicant must provide their full name, contact information and Social Security number to create an account. After opening an account, the applicant should fill out the online form and submit it to the Wyoming Department of Health for processing.
To apply by telephone, call (855) 294-2127. Wyoming residents with hearing loss should dial (855) 329-5204 for TTY/TDD service. For applicants who prefer to fill out paper forms, the Wyoming Department of Health offers English and Spanish versions of the Medicaid application. Download the appropriate form, complete it and mail it to the following address:
WDH-Customer Service Center
3001 E. Pershing Boulevard, Suite 125
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Applicants can also fax their completed forms to (855) 329-5205 or email them to wesapplications@wyo.gov.
Information You Will Need
Before starting the process, each applicant should gather documents to help verify their identity, income and assets. It’s important to gather as much documentation as possible to avoid processing delays. These are just a few of the documents that may be used to support the information provided in a Medicaid application:
- Driver’s license, state ID card or passport
- Naturalization/citizenship certificate
- Alien registration card
- Birth certificate
- Checking and savings account statements
- Pay stubs, if applicable
- Statements from IRAs, 401(k) plans and other types of retirement accounts
- Documents related to the ownership of a vehicle, such as auto insurance policies, registration cards and titles
- Military discharge papers, if applicable
- Deeds to residential and commercial properties
- Life insurance policies
- Contracts for prepaid services (e.g. prepaid funeral expenses)
- Copies of legal documents, including advance directives, wills, trusts and powers of attorney
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Wyoming
The Medicaid application process is complex, but resources are available to help Wyoming residents complete their applications and avoid delays caused by missing documentation. The table below lists some of these resources.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Medicaid Customer Service Center | (855) 294-2127 | The Wyoming Department of Health has trained counselors available to help residents fill out their Medicaid applications and determine how to meet the agency's income, asset and identity verification requirements. |
| Benefits.gov | Online resource | Maintained by the federal government, Benefits.gov gives consumers access to information on a wide range of assistance programs, including Medicaid and Medicare. The site provides an overview of each program and explains how to contact program representatives directly. |
| Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division - Community Living Section | (307) 777-7995 | The Community Living Section of the state's Aging Division provides information, assistance and other support services to older adults (60+) living in Wyoming. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Wyoming?
Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.
Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:
- Meals
- A semiprivate room
- Medications
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Audiologist care
- Medical supplies
- Medical social services
- Nutritional counseling
- Ambulance transportation
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.
For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.
Medicare Support and Resources in Wyoming
Although Medicare covers many services, it doesn’t pay for everything a beneficiary might need. For covered services, there may also be additional out-of-pocket costs, such as copays and coinsurance. Because health care is so important for older adults, it’s helpful to talk to volunteers or paid counselors about the complexities of Medicare. The organizations below provide information and advice to help older adults and their loved ones make good decisions.
| Program | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Center on Aging | (307) 766-2829 | The Wyoming Center on Aging offers a variety of services to help older adults and their caregivers maintain the highest possible quality of life. Wyoming residents have access to educational materials on long-term care, legal issues for older adults, emergency preparedness and other topics of interest. WYC also operates the Wyoming Aging and Disability Resource Center, which links older adults with the information and services they need to maintain their health and independence. |
| Wyoming Senior Citizens | (800) 856-4398 | Wyoming Senior Citizens is a nonprofit agency dedicated to meeting the needs of older adults living in Wyoming. The organization operates the Senior Medicare Patrol program, which offers counseling and education to help seniors and their caregivers prevent and detect Medicare-related fraud. |
| Medicare.gov | (800) 633-4227 | Operated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Medicare.gov offers helpful information to help Medicare-eligible adults understand their coverage options. The site also provides an overview of Medicare costs to help older adults and their loved ones make long-term financial plans. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Wyoming
While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for nursing care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Wyoming
There are many resources in Wyoming that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Aging Advisory Council | 800-442-2766 | Wyoming's Area Agencies in Aging provide essential care for older adults, including assistance for caregivers, nonemergency medical and nonmedical services, such as home-delivered meals, disease prevention and home care help. Home services include coordination of services, personal grooming assistance and vital homemaker assistance for daily living activities. These services help seniors maintain a good quality of life in Wyoming and age in place. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Wyoming provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
| Wyoming TANF/POWER | 307-856-6522 | Wyoming TANF/POWER assists low-income seniors who are primary caregivers of minors. The program's benefits include free child support assistance, monthly cash payments and help finding employment and other forms of financial stability. To apply, seniors must be responsible for children under 18, and households must meet specific income requirements. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, legal aliens or qualified aliens. Wyoming TANF/POWER also supports those who need interim help while recovering from illness. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Wyoming seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Community Choices Waiver | 800-510-0280 | The Community Choices Waiver is a Home and Community-Based Services Waiver that covers the cost of personal care assistance, skilled nursing and other support for seniors. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Wyoming seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Food Bank | 877-265-2172 | Wyoming Food Bank works with partner agencies and programs in every Wyoming county to distribute food parcels to eligible seniors. As part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program that aims to improve seniors' health by supplementing their nutrition, the food bank provides low-income adults over age 60 with monthly home deliveries containing nonperishable protein, fruits, vegetables, milk and other shelf-stable foods. Seniors may also be eligible to receive fresh produce, dairy and bread. |
| Wyoming Meals on Wheels | Meals on Wheels is a food assistance organization that helps homebound older adults meet their nutritional needs with regular meal delivery. Planned by registered dietitians, provided entrees may improve seniors' health and sense of independence. This organization operates throughout Wyoming via individual programs designed to assist those aged 60 and over in their local communities. Interested seniors must apply and undergo an assessment of need. Some programs may require referrals from doctors or social workers. | |
| Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 307-777-5846 | The Wyoming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a monthly benefits program designed to help low-income adults aged 60 and older buy food. Eligible seniors receive electronic cards that they can use to purchase food at stores across Wyoming, including Walmart. To be considered, applicants must have less than $3,750 worth of resources unless they receive Supplemental Security Income or POWER/Tribal TANF. Seniors can apply by completing and submitting an application at their local DFS office. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Wyoming collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Life Resource Center | 800-294-1888 | The Center maintains a library of durable medical equipment and therapeutic devices. All Wyoming residents are welcome to make use of the library. Financial donations are welcomed but not demanded |
| Wyoming Assistive Technology Resources | 888-989-9463 | The University of Wyoming maintains a durable medical equipment closet that is open to all residents. Seniors can request loans of wheelchairs, walkers and other assistive devices. |
Health Insurance & Prescription Drug Coverage for Seniors
Wyoming seniors who meet certain income criteria can apply to local resources to help them pay for prescription drugs. Eligible residents can also receive assistance through health insurance and other programs to access free or discounted medical services.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Medication Donation Program | 855-257-5041 | The Wyoming Medication Donation Program serves low-income individuals in the state. It works like a mail-order pharmacy, filling prescriptions for eligible individuals using donated medications. Pharmacists process donations to ensure they're safe and suitable to be passed on to those in need. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Wyoming have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Section 504 Home Repair Program | 307-233-6799 | Low-income homeowners in Casper, WY, can benefit from the Section 504 Home Repair Program run by the USDA Rural Development Department. The program provides loans and grants to help seniors remain in their own homes. These loans can be used to repair houses, address health hazards or improve curb appeal. To qualify, individuals must be 62 or older, reside in their own homes, be unable to obtain credit and have an income that falls below the county's limit. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Wyoming help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Wyoming resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Veteran's Property Tax Exemption Program | 307-777-5200 | This program is run by the local county assessor and is funded by the state of Wyoming. This property tax assistance is the state of Wyoming's way of recognizing and helping those who fought for the United States. Honorably discharged military veterans who served during the Korea, Vietnam, WWI and WWII wars may qualify for property tax exemption. Disabled veterans, surviving spouses and those who received campaign medals during armed conflict in countries other than the United States also qualify. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Wyoming retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) | 800-246-4221 | The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides support for families who are struggling to cover their utility bills during the coldest months of the year. The program also offers emergency financial assistance for families that are at risk of having their utility supply cut off or have already been disconnected. |
Veteran's Services
Wyoming retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming VA Benefits and Health Care | Wyoming VA Benefits and Health Care ensures senior veterans in Wyoming get access to the specialized veterans' support they need. Cheyenne and Sheridan have VA Medical Centers providing specialist health care, alongside outpatient clinics located throughout the state. The Cheyenne Vet Center offers confidential help to senior vets, including counseling for mental health issues such as depression and PTSD. Eligible veterans can also contact the VA benefits administration for access to adaptive equipment and housing. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Wyoming
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Licensing | The Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division licenses nursing homes that provide nursing and skilled nursing. |
| Staffing | Facilities must maintain sufficient 24-hour nursing staff, including RNs, LPNs and certified nursing assistants, to provide 1.5 hours of daily nursing care or 2.25 hours of daily skilled care to each resident depending on their needs. Nursing homes must employ a full-time director of nursing who is a licensed RN and has adequate experience to make staffing changes and other administrative or departmental decisions. |
| Staff Training | Nursing staff members must have appropriate credentials, including at least 75 hours of training to become a CNA. Facilities must provide in-service education to help all staff members, including housekeeping and food service workers, perform assigned duties. |
| Admission Restrictions | Nursing homes may not admit residents who require rehabilitative care unless these services are offered by the facility. |
| Care Planning | State regulations require nursing homes to secure medical records and physician orders before admitting a resident unless temporary orders are available or a resident requires emergency placement. Each resident's progress must be reviewed at least once every 30 days. |
| Dietary and Nutrition Services | Nursing homes must provide adequate dietetic services to meet residents' nutritional needs. Facilities must employ a registered dietitian or a similarly qualified professional or consultant who can observe the preparation and consumption of community meals. Dietary staff members must oversee the facility's monthly food service program. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Skilled nursing facilities that accept residents who need specialized rehabilitative care must employ adequate personnel to deliver these services. Providers must create biweekly progress reports, and the resident's rehabilitative care plan should be reevaluated every 30 days by the therapist and attending physician. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Nursing homes must provide all medications and biologicals as required by residents. Medications may be ordered in-house or through a community pharmacy. Facilities must employ a licensed pharmacist or consultant to oversee the facility's pharmaceutical services and provide quarterly reports. |
| Activities | Wyoming requires nursing homes to provide ongoing nonmandatory activities that accommodate residents' abilities and interests. Activities must address residents' physical and emotional well-being and include religious events if desired. Nursing homes must provide adequate materials and supplies needed for recreational pursuits. |
| Infection Control | Nursing homes must have written policies and procedures for preventing infections across the facility. These requirements apply to dietary, housekeeping and environmental services. Incidences of infectious diseases affecting residents or employees must be reported to the Wyoming Department of Health as required. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Wyoming Medicaid pays for long-term care provided in a licensed nursing facility or residential setting when beneficiaries meet income and asset limits and medical eligibility criteria. Benefits are available to individuals who earn no more than 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate and use the majority of their income for long-term care. |
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