Guide to Independent Living in Wyoming
Wyoming has fewer than 580,000 residents but a large senior community that makes up over 17% of its population. The state offers a dry, relatively comfortable climate, making it a good option for those who enjoy being outdoors, and it reports some of the lowest crime rates in the nation. Its overall cost of living is consistent with the national average, and its lack of state income tax helps older adults maximize their retirement income. On average, seniors in Wyoming pay $2,710 per month for independent living, making this state one of the more affordable options in the nation for care.
Independent living is a great option for older adults seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle. These facilities don’t provide medical care and aren’t for those who need help with daily living activities, but they support residents’ quality of life by providing social and recreational activities, daily meals and housekeeping and yard care. Some communities also have social clubs, volunteer opportunities and amenities such as fitness centers and swimming pools. This guide provides more information on how much seniors in Wyoming pay for services, along with tips on paying for services when retirement income isn’t enough. It also highlights some free and low-cost resources available to older adults in the state.
How Much Does Independent Living Cost in Wyoming?
Note:There currently isn’t authoritative data on the average cost of Independent Living Facilities nationwide, so instead, we use the cost of Assisted Living to estimate it. Since the cost of Independent Living is typically 30-40% lower than the cost of Assisted Living, the numbers below were calculated by subtracting 35% from the cost of Assisted Living as reported in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
Seniors in Wyoming pay $2,710 for independent living, which is a couple hundred dollars lower than the national average of $2,925. Compared to its bordering states, its monthly fees are moderate. Seniors may save hundreds of dollars per month by living in South Dakota, where care costs are among the cheapest in the nation at $2,178. In Idaho, rates average $2,495, and in Nebraska, seniors pay $2,649. Montana communities charge $2,893, and in Colorado, seniors pay $3,088.
The Cost of Independent Living in Wyoming’s Top Cities
In Wyoming’s two surveyed cities, independent living costs are relatively high, with seniors in Casper paying $3,149 for services and those in Cheyenne paying $3,600. In Missoula, Montana, care costs are comparable at $3,023. Boise City, Idaho, seniors pay $2,331, and in Omaha, Nebraska, communities charge $3,024.
The Cost of Independent Living vs. Other Types of Care
Seniors in Wyoming have several care options available depending on their needs and lifestyle preferences. Adult day health care is the cheapest option at $1,733, and seniors in independent living communities pay $2,710. Those in assisted living facilities pay $4,169 per month, and older adults who obtain care at home pay $5,529 for homemaker services and home health aide services. Those who need medical monitoring and extensive care pay $6,996 for semiprivate rooms in nursing homes.
Does Medicare or Medicaid Cover Independent Living in Wyoming?
The short answer is no, Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in an independent living community. That being said, those who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), may be able to take advantage of financial assistance programs in Wyoming to partially or fully cover the cost of care in Assisted Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need help with ADLs, read our guide to Assisted Living in Wyoming.
For more information about other ways to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc, read the section below.
How to Make Independent Living More Affordable in Wyoming
Seniors in Wyoming have numerous options for paying for independent living, even if their retirement income isn’t enough to cover monthly payments. Seniors may be able to lessen the burden by purchasing an annuity, which converts a lump sum of cash to a steady stream of monthly income. For those who own homes but don’t want to sell, taking out a reverse mortgage loan may be a sensible option for using assets to pay for care. Some types of life insurance policies can be sold to third-party companies for cash or have death benefits policyholders can access to pay for long-term care. Finally, some types of long-term care insurance cover certain services in independent living communities, bringing down the overall monthly charge.
Free Independent Living Resources for Seniors in Wyoming
Seniors in Wyoming can obtain a broad array of free and low-cost services and supports from statewide government agencies and non-profit organizations. Through these resources, active seniors can connect with volunteer opportunities in their communities, meet with financial and legal advisors and speak with options counselors about paying for independent living services.
| Resource | Contact | Description |
| Aging Division | (800) 442-2766 | The Wyoming Department of Health’s Aging Division promotes seniors’ independence and quality of life through a broad range of services. It publishes information for consumers regarding various long-term care options and recreational programs in the state. It also operates Area Agencies on Aging, which provide information and referrals and access to community-based services for those aged 60 and over. |
| Wyoming 211 | 2-1-1 (888) 425-7138 | Wyoming 211 is a free information and referral service for residents throughout the state. Seniors can call the helpline to speak with a live agent that listens to their needs and helps them identify services and programs in the community. These may include transportation services, financial assistance, prescription drug assistance, congregate meals and benefits screenings. |
| AARP Wyoming | (866) 663-3290 | AARP Wyoming is a non-profit organization that serves those aged 50 and over. It publishes newsletters and the award-winning AARP The Magazine to help individuals stay current on events, legislative bills and age-related topics. For a low annual fee, the organization also provides access to hundreds of discounts and programs such as income tax preparation services and safe driver courses. |
| Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program | (800) 856-4398 | WSHIIP is a free statewide program that provides health insurance options counseling for seniors. Its trained representatives answer questions on Medicare benefits and private Medicare programs, long-term care insurance and Medicaid. WSHIIP representatives can also help older adults review and understand medical bills and appeal denied health insurance claims. |
| Wyoming Veterans Commission | (800) 833-5987 | The Wyoming Veterans Commission promotes services and benefits for older veterans in Wyoming, helping to improve their quality of life and access to care. Through their local field office, veterans get one-on-one help with determining eligibility and applying for state and federal benefits such as health insurance, financial assistance, pension benefits and tax exemptions. |
| Legal Aid of Wyoming | (877) 432-9955 | Legal Aid of Wyoming provides free legal services to those aged 60 and over in the state. Seniors can contact their local office for one-on-one help with applying for public benefits, resolving consumer debt issues and benefits overpayment and managing assets. |
COVID-19 Rules and Restrictions for Wyoming Independent Living Communities
The following rules and guidelines were obtained from health.wyo.gov, as well as other state-level government sites. Among others, these rules apply to independent living communities and assisted living facilities.
This data has been most recently updated on 2/15/2022, but keep in mind that COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, so all of the below information can change at any time. For additional questions and up-to-date information, you can contact your loved one’s senior living facility or your local Area Agency on Aging.
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) |