Wyoming is a small state with a slightly larger than average senior population. Out of its approximately 578,000 residents, 17.1% are aged 65 or over, compared to 16.5% of the nation. The state’s relatively low cost of living and pleasant environment, including good air quality, make the city an appealing place for seniors to retire to. Assisted living facilities in Wyoming typically charge $4,169 per month, which is less than the national average, and the state has Medicaid waivers that can offset some of the cost of assisted living for those on a lower income.

This guide looks at the cost of assisted living in Wyoming compared to other nearby states, as well as in comparison to other types of senior care. It also provides information about financial assistance programs seniors may wish to take advantage of and other age-related services that may help seniors remain independent in their retirement years.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Wyoming?

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Wyoming is $4,169, which is more affordable than the national average of $4,500. However, many neighboring states offer even lower prices. Utah is one of the most affordable places for assisted living, with seniors paying an average of $3,500 per month. Fees are also below average in Idaho ($3,838) and Nebraska ($4,076). Colorado’s facilities charge above-average prices, with seniors typically paying $4,750 per month.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Wyoming’s Top Cities

The fees assisted living facilities charge can vary significantly between cities. In Casper, seniors pay an average of $4,844 per month. Farther south, fees increase dramatically, with seniors in Cheyenne paying $5,538 per month. Across the Colorado border, in Fort Collins, typical fees drop to just $4,000 per month. Moving west, to Logan, UT, seniors pay just $3,300 for assisted living services.

The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care

Assisted living services provide room and board, plus help with the activities of daily living to seniors who are generally mobile and in good health. Wyoming seniors who would prefer to remain in their own homes can receive housekeeping support and day-to-day assistance for $5,529 a month. Home health care services are similarly priced. Another affordable option is adult day health care services, at $1,733 per month, which offer support for seniors during daytime hours in a community setting. Nursing homes charge much higher fees ($6,996) because they provide 24-hour care and skilled nursing services for those who require more extensive health care services.

Can You Use Medicaid to Pay for Assisted Living in Wyoming?

Wyoming’s Medicaid program does not cover the cost of assisted living directly. However, the Community Choices Home & Community Based Services Medicaid Waiver (CCW) can be used to cover part of the cost of assisted living. This waiver is aimed at low-income seniors who require a nursing home level of care and helps them avoid premature placement in such a facility, so they can remain independent and active members of society for as long as possible.

The Community Choices Waiver covers the services that were previously under the Long Term Care Waiver and the Assisted Living Waiver. Under this new waiver, eligible seniors can receive help with the cost of personal care services, assistive devices, limited transportation services, medication reminders and other similar support provided at assisted living facilities. The waiver does not cover the cost of accommodation.

Medicaid’s Coverage of Assisted Living in Wyoming

The Community Choices Waiver helps seniors who require a nursing home level of care remain in the community. It covers the cost of care delivered in the senior’s own home or an assisted living facility. To be eligible, seniors must meet residency, income and level of care requirements. The cost of room and board is not covered by the waiver, but the cost of care services delivered at the facility, such as medication reminders, help with the activities of daily living, and assistive therapies, can be covered.

Waiver Programs for Assisted Living in Wyoming

The CCW replaces the old Assisted Living Waiver and Long Term Care Waiver, covering similar services but with more streamlined requirements.

Community Choices Waiver

The Community Choices Waiver is a Home and Community Based Services Waiver open to those aged 65 and over or younger individuals who are blind or disabled. The waiver covers the cost of supportive services delivered in a community setting, with the goal of helping seniors avoid premature placement in a nursing home. To qualify for the waiver, seniors must pass a needs assessment. If they are deemed eligible, the waiver can cover the cost of:

• Homemaker services
• Personal care
• Supervision
• Transportation
• Medication management
• Nursing care, if prescribed by a physician

In addition to a needs assessment, the senior must also meet income and asset limitations and reside in a qualifying assisted living facility in Wyoming. Seniors can apply for the CCW by downloading and completing the application form and emailing it to [email protected] or by mailing the completed form to the Wyoming Department of Health at:

Wyoming Department of Health
401 Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002

Those not currently claiming Medicaid can call (855) 203-2936 to start the application process.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Wyoming

Wyoming’s Medicaid program is aimed at seniors on a low income and with limited assets. Individual applicants are permitted to have an income of $30,276, with $3,000 in assets. A couple applying together can have an income of $30,276 each and $3,000 in combined assets. Where only one person in a couple is applying, there is a community asset protection allowance of $137,400 for the spouse who does not require care.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Wyoming

	Income Limits*	Asset Limits
Single Applicant	$30,276	$2,000
Two-Person Household(Only One Person Applying)	$30,276 (for applicant)	$2,000 for applicant$137,400 for non-applicant
Two-Person Household (Both People Applying)	$60,552($30,276 per applicant)	$3,000

*per year

The Medicaid program is open to U.S. citizens who reside in Wyoming, are aged 65 and over or living with a qualifying disability. Seniors must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship/residency
• Aged 65 or over
• Either meet the above asset limits or participate in a spend-down program
• Pass a needs assessment

Applying for Medicaid in Wyoming

Seniors can apply for Medicaid online via the WY Medicaid web portal. Alternatively, applications can be completed by phone at (855) 294-2127.

Before You Apply

To help the application process go smoothly, seniors should gather the required documentation. As part of the application process, seniors may be asked for proof of age and residency, income and assets. Useful documents include:

• Passport, driver’s license or birth certificate
• Bank statements, utility bills and documentation for any pensions or benefits the applicant is claiming
• Relevant deeds or titles

Where to Go to Get Help

The following organizations provide information and advice for seniors looking to apply for Medicaid. Applicants can access the knowledge bases, FAQs and advice lines listed here to help them better navigate the Medicaid system.

Resource	Contact	Service
Wyoming Department of Health	(855) 294-2127	The Wyoming Department of Health oversees Medicaid in the state. Its website has a dedicated Medicaid section including frequently asked questions, information about the application process and links to the application portal. It also provides information about telephone advice services for those who would prefer to speak to someone for help completing their application.
Benefits.gov		The Benefits.gov website is a national website providing advice about the benefits available in each state. The Wyoming Medicaid page includes a concise breakdown of the rules and eligibility requirements for Medicaid, as well as useful links to state resources and helplines.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services		This federal website provides information about Medicare and Medicaid services across the country. It offers useful links, guidance and information about how Medicare and Medicaid work, and it provides links to state helplines and organizations that can assist consumers with claims, applications or appeals.

Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Assisted Living in Wyoming?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Wyoming. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not considered to be “clinical settings’ and so are not eligible for Medicare coverage. That being said, you can still use Medicare to cover the cost of approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc.

For more information about Medicare visit medicare.gov.

Are There Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Wyoming?

	How to Apply	How It Works
Aid and Attendance	Apply online at va.gov.	If you are a veteran and you receive a VA pension, you may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit takes the form of a monthly cash allowance that you receive in addition to your standard pension. This benefit is used by veterans who need long-term care services, including care received at an assisted living facility.
Reverse Mortgages	Research and learn about the different types at ftc.gov	If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to access some of the equity in your home. Like traditional loans, reverse mortgages do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months, so seniors should carefully weigh this option alongside other financing methods.
Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance	Learn about how to receive LTC insurance benefits at acl.gov.	While those who currently need assisted living will typically not be eligible, if you purchased an LTC insurance policy in the past, you may be able to use it to help pay for assisted living. While most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, you still need to check the specific terms of your policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Wyoming

The following organizations support seniors in Wyoming, providing advice about benefits and other financial assistance or offering practical support in the form of legal advice and signposting to other service providers.

Resource	Contact	Service
Aging and Disability Resource Center	(800) 442-2766	The Wyoming Aging and Disability Resource Center connects seniors with local service providers who can assist with a variety of issues, including case management, senior transportation, benefits applications and health care services. This online resource bank covers the whole state. Seniors can also call the free helpline for assistance.
Wyoming Veterans Commission	(800) 833-5987	The Wyoming Veterans Commission supports veterans and their families in the state. It oversees the Veterans Services Offices, which help veterans access the pensions, benefits and health care services they’re eligible for. The commission advocates for better services for veterans and runs outreach campaigns. Seniors can call the helpline to find details of their nearest VSO.
Wyoming SHIIP	(800) 856-4398	The State Health Insurance Information Program helps seniors understand their Medicare and Medicaid options. Trained advisors who are not on a commission from any insurance company offer impartial advice about health insurance plans, providers and programs available in the state. The program prevents Medicare fraud and helps seniors choose the right plans for their financial circumstances and health care preferences.
Wyoming Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program	(307) 777-2885	The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights of people who reside in long-term care facilities. Volunteer ombudsmen investigate complaints or concerns about the standard of care provided at assisted living communities, nursing homes and other facilities. The ombudsmen serve as intermediaries to assist loved ones or residents who have issues with the care provided and may intervene in cases where there is evidence of abuse or neglect.
Legal Aid of Wyoming	(877) 432-9955	Legal Aid of Wyoming provides free civil legal advice to Wyoming seniors on low incomes. It can assist with issues relating to elder abuse, estate planning, family law or benefits appeals. The organization is federally funded and operates as a nonprofit. Seniors can apply for support online or by calling the advice line. There is also a resource database that includes advice about common issues.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Wyoming

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including health.wyo.gov and cdc.gov/coronavirus. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/15/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visiting Loved Ones

Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care?	Yes
Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her?	No
Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person?	Yes
Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities?	Yes
Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?	Yes
Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Outings and Group Activities

Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons?	Yes
Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine?	No (Conditions Apply)
Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings?	No
Are residents still eating together in the dining hall?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors

Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures?	Yes
Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)
Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?	Yes

Safety Measures for Residents

Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms?	Yes
Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms?	No
Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures?	Yes
Are residents being tested for coronavirus?	Yes (Conditions Apply)

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Wyoming

The Wyoming Department of Health oversees the licensing of the state’s assisted living facilities and lays out regulations concerning the levels of care such facilities can provide, as well as staffing requirements, health and safety and accommodation standards. Facilities undergo regular inspections to ensure they’re operating in compliance with those regulations.