Wyoming
What Is Wyoming Medicaid Long-Term Care?
Wyoming Medicaid is a state and federally funded health coverage program for low-income individuals of all ages. For seniors aged 65 and older, it can cover the cost of long-term care services in various settings, including nursing homes, assisted living, and at-home care.
What Types of Long-Term Care Medicaid Programs Are Available in Wyoming?
What Is Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid?
This is an entitlement program, meaning eligible individuals are guaranteed services. It covers care only in licensed nursing facilities.
What Are Medicaid Waivers / Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)?
These waivers are not entitlements and may have enrollment caps and waitlists. They help seniors receive care at home or in community-based settings like adult day care, foster care, or assisted living, to delay institutionalization.
What Is Regular Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled?
This entitlement program offers long-term care support such as help with daily activities and adult day care for those who qualify financially and medically.
What Are the 2025 Financial Eligibility Limits for Wyoming Seniors?
| Type of Medicaid | Single | Married (both applying) | Married (one applying) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,901/mo income $2,000 assets | $5,802/mo income $3,000 assets | $2,901/mo income $2,000 (applicant) $157,920 (non-applicant) |
| HCBS Waivers | $2,901/mo income $2,000 assets | $5,802/mo income $3,000 assets | $2,901/mo income $2,000 (applicant) $157,920 (non-applicant) |
| Regular Medicaid (ABD) | $967/mo income $2,000 assets | $1,450/mo income $3,000 assets | $1,450/mo income $3,000 assets |
*Most of the beneficiary’s income must go toward care costs, excluding personal and spousal needs allowances and Medicare premiums.
How Is Income Counted for Medicaid in Wyoming?
What Counts As Income?
Most income sources are included, such as wages, Social Security, pensions, and IRA withdrawals. Some exceptions apply, such as Holocaust restitution and VA Aid & Attendance.
How Does Medicaid Treat Spousal Income?
For Nursing Home Medicaid and Waivers, only the applicant’s income is counted. The non-applicant spouse may be entitled to a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (MMMNA), which is $3,948/month in 2025.
What About Regular Medicaid?
When applying for Regular Medicaid, income from both spouses is considered. There is no MMMNA allowance.
How Are Assets Treated Under Medicaid?
What Are Countable vs. Non-Countable Assets?
Countable assets include cash, investments, and second properties. Non-countable assets may include a primary residence (under certain conditions), one vehicle, personal items, and limited life insurance.
How Does Medicaid Handle Spousal Assets?
Married couples’ assets are considered jointly owned. The non-applicant spouse may keep up to $157,920 in assets through the Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA).
What Is the Medicaid Look-Back Rule?
Wyoming enforces a 5-year “look-back” period for Nursing Home Medicaid and Waivers. Asset transfers for less than fair market value during this time can lead to a period of ineligibility. The rule does not apply to Regular Medicaid.
Is the Home Always Protected Under Medicaid?
Not necessarily. The applicant or their spouse must live in the home, or the applicant must show intent to return. There is a $730,000 home equity interest cap in 2025. However, Medicaid can claim the home after death under estate recovery unless proper planning is in place.
What Are the Medical Eligibility Requirements?
A Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) is required for Nursing Home Medicaid and Waivers. Regular Medicaid applicants need help with daily activities but do not necessarily require a NFLOC.
What If an Applicant Exceeds Income or Asset Limits?
How Do Qualified Income Trusts (QITs) Help?
Also called Miller Trusts or Irrevocable Income Trusts in Wyoming, these allow excess income to be diverted so the applicant qualifies. Funds in the trust must be used for specific care-related expenses.
What Is an Asset Spend Down?
Applicants can reduce countable assets by paying off debt or investing in exempt items like home modifications or burial expenses. Documentation is essential to avoid violating the Look-Back Rule.
What Is Medicaid Planning?
Professional Medicaid planners can help applicants legally qualify while preserving some assets for spouses or heirs. This is especially helpful for those who are over-income or over-asset but still can’t afford care.
What Is Wyoming’s Community Choices Waiver?
This waiver provides in-home and community-based services for those needing nursing home-level care. Benefits include:
- Adult day care
- Home modifications
- Personal emergency response systems
- Transportation
- Meal delivery
- Respite and skilled nursing care
- Option to hire a family caregiver
How Can Seniors Apply for Wyoming Medicaid?
Applications can be submitted:
- Online at the Wyoming Medicaid/CHIP Web Portal
- By calling the Customer Service Center: 1-855-294-2127
- By submitting a paper form: “Application for Health Coverage & Help Paying Costs”
Assistance is also available from the Aging & Disability Resource Center. Before applying, seniors should confirm their eligibility or consult with a Medicaid planner if over the financial limits.
