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Do you want healthcare that doesn't put your financial stability in jeopardy? You should consider applying for Wyoming Medicaid. Keep reading to learn everything you should know about the program, including coverage, eligibility, how to apply, and more. As of June 2023, 84,529 Wyomingites were enrolled in the program.
If you're looking for more complete coverage, consider supplementing Medicaid with third-party insurance so you can have coverage for things the public plan doesn't include. With everything you learn in this guide, you can determine the combination of coverage that will work best for you. To prevent shouldering the debt of unexpected medical expenses, many people in Wyoming extend their Medicaid coverage to include a more comprehensive range of benefits and services by way of private health insurance.
In this guide, we'll discuss Wyoming Medicaid, including what the plan covers, how to apply, and the most common procedures people seek on the plan. You can then search for additional coverage through the Insurdinary website.
What is Wyoming Medicaid? It is the state-funded extension of the federal Medicare program that provides free or affordable healthcare to eligible people and families. The Wyoming Department of Health administers the program.
It provides this healthcare to both families and individuals. Depending on what program you qualify for, coverage ranges from preventive healthcare to routine doctor visits and surgical procedures.
What does this Wyoming health insurance cost? While certain programs, such as Employed Individuals with Disabilities, have a small monthly fee or copay, most covered individuals won't pay anything for the majority of their healthcare.
Where do the funds for Wyoming Medicaid come from? Wyoming is one of the few states that does not accept federal funding for its Medicaid plan, and thus, the state funds 100% of the cost.
As of 2021, over 12% of Wyoming citizens were without healthcare, and the state's legislature has denied expanding Medicaid several times. Doing so would accept federal funds for the health insurance plan and grant an additional 10,000 citizens or more access.
A Wyoming Medicaid Card acts as your patient identification and confirmation of your eligibility for receiving care. You'll receive your card in the mail along with your letter confirming your enrollment. The card contains a unique plan number that helps apply your benefits to your healthcare treatments.
You can only use your card and receive benefits from eligible medical providers. Carry the card with you at all times in case you need it for a medical emergency.
Are you wondering how to apply for Wyoming Medicaid? You can apply online, over the phone at 1-855-294-2127, or by mailing a paper application or returning it to the Wyoming Department of Health Customer Service Center in Cheyenne. If you filled out a paper copy, you can also scan it and email it to wesapplications@wyo.gov.
You might wait up to 45 days for the administration to review and accept your application after you apply for Medicaid. When you apply for the program, have the following documents on hand:
What makes you eligible for Wyoming Medicaid? You could receive coverage if any of the following apply to you:
You may qualify for other programs contained under Wyoming Medicaid if you're a senior citizen, disabled, or require some form of long-term care. Check the Medicaid income requirements for more information.
You're not required to perform extra steps to obtain your Wyoming Medicaid Card, as you receive it in the mail with your acceptance letter. If you incur medical expenses after you apply but before you receive your card, keep records of the bills, and Medicaid may pay the expenses retroactively.
If you lose your Medicaid or Kid Care CHIP card, you can ask for a new one by visiting your Department of Health patient portal or calling 855-294-2127. In most cases, you won't pay to replace your card.
You'll need to reapply and renew your healthcare coverage every year to ensure you still meet the income requirements. However, your original card stays valid for as long as you're eligible for coverage. Do not apply for a new card when you renew your enrollment in Medicaid.
In Wyoming, Magellan Healthcare, Inc. provides your Medicaid coverage. This care management entity acts as a centralized hub for providing care and managing claims. Magellan Healthcare divides its services into the following four categories:
What is Wyoming Medicaid coverage? Most people are most interested in learning about what Wyoming Medicaid covers concerning the following most popular areas. You can find more information in the Wyoming Medicaid Handbook.
Children and adults under the age of 21 have full dental coverage under Wyoming Medicaid. However, only children between ages six and 18 qualify for braces if they have severe alignment issues. Members older than 20 years old can receive covered dental care classified as preventive or emergency, including two check-ups per year, extractions, and maintenance.
The dental coverage offered by Wyoming Medicaid is comprehensive, but it only covers limited and emergency services. Restorative procedures are not offered. For this reason, investing in private dental plans in Wyoming is advisable.
Change Healthcare is the Medicaid program that handles prescription drug coverage under Wyoming Medicaid. Members under the age of 21 and a couple of other demographics, like pregnant women, won't have any copays. Other members might have small copays for certain medications, but the copays don't exceed $5.
Vaccines, family planning, and emergency prescriptions never require payment. You can check the preferred drug list for more information. Copays should never exceed more than 5% of your household's annual income.
Wyoming Medicaid offers a wide variety of programs that expand care to the elderly, disabled, and more. The following are the most popular programs:
If you're traveling out of state, you might have trouble finding coverage. For children requiring emergency medical attention, the program covers treatment provided by any medical professional enrolled as a provider under Wyoming Medicaid. Other services will require special approval for coverage. The States Medicaid program will provide transportation to and from appts should the member have no other means of transportation. Refer to the Wyoming Medicaid Travel Assistance Guide for full details.
It is imperative to know that the program does not cover instances when an enrolled individual is traveling for leisure. If you are traveling outside of Wyoming for leisure, invest in proper travelers insurance.
Wyoming Medicaid doesn't specifically cover students, such as those enrolled in colleges. However, any child or young adult can receive coverage, regardless of their educational or enrollment status, depending on their income eligibility.
Seniors at least 65 years of age or older are eligible for coverage under the general Wyoming Medicaid program. They are also eligible for additional programs, such as institutional programs, under certain conditions.
Wyoming Medicaid extends its coverage to special groups such as Military and Indigenous People.
Wyoming Medicaid doesn't provide special coverage for indigenous populations. However, the Indian Health Service has created a special handbook for providers that serve Native American Populations.
Military veterans should seek help from the Department of Veteran Affairs for medical coverage beyond what's provided for their enrollment in Medicaid.
You can better understand what Wyoming Medicaid covers by knowing what services you won't have coverage for. Like other states, Wyoming Medicaid does not cover any service from a non-enrolled provider or for procedures and devices that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic plastic surgery. The program also does not cover the following treatments or services:
This list is not exhaustive, so consult the handbook to learn more.
Also, Wyoming Medicaid only provides up to $1000 towards the cost of a funeral. Considering the rising cost of burials and associated fees, ensure that you and your family are secured with comprehensive funeral insurance.
Understanding Wyoming Medicaid coverage is a complicated and nuanced process. While you can read the handbook for details, what follows is more in-depth information about the most popular medical services and what way the program covers them.
| Dental | |
|---|---|
| Members under the age of 21 receive full dental coverage, except for braces, which require a referral. Adults at least 21 years old can receive the following covered dental services: | |
| X-Rays | Yes, included in two preventative and maintenance check-ups a year |
| Exams | Yes, included in two preventative and maintenance check-ups a year |
| Basic Cleaning | Yes, included in two preventative and maintenance check-ups a year |
| Emergency Dental Services | Yes, if needed to relieve pain |
| Extractions | Yes |
| Denture Maintenance | Yes |
| Wisdom Teeth Removal | Yes, but requires pre-approval |
| Vision | |
|---|---|
| Eye Exams | For members under the age of 21 and if deemed medically necessary |
| Eyeglasses or Contacts | For members under the age of 21 and if deemed medically necessary |
| Emergency Eye Care | Older adults only receive coverage for emergency care, which includes treating an eye injury or disease |
| Laser Eye Surgery | Yes, if it is considered medically necessary |
| Surgery | |
|---|---|
| No matter your age, Wyoming Medicaid provides coverage for medically necessary surgical procedures. The program does not cover surgical procedures for purely cosmetic reasons, such as breast augmentation or lip enhancement. | |
| Rhinoplasty | Yes, pre-approval is required |
| Breast Reduction | Yes, pre-approval is required |
| Hospital | |
|---|---|
| Wyoming Medicaid covers the following in-patient hospital services with a few exceptions: | |
| Hospital stays | Wyoming Medicaid covers hospital stays for members of all ages. This includes any medically necessary tests, treatments, and procedures ordered by a qualified professional during the stay. |
| Transportation | The program covers all emergency transportation services and may cover non-emergency ambulance services if other transportation would put the person in danger. You can also seek reimbursement for costs associated with transporting yourself to the hospital. |
| Labor and Delivery | Wyoming Medicaid covers all costs associated with labor and delivery, including the services of a nurse practitioner or midwife. |
No matter your age, you can receive coverage for mental health therapy and counseling services when provided by a community health center under the supervision of a qualified and licensed mental health professional. This includes substance abuse and rehabilitation services.
Coverage for psychiatric hospitalization and long-term in-patient treatment requires pre-approval.
| Sexual Health | Wyoming Medicaid covers a wide range of sexual health treatments, products, and procedures, including the following. |
|---|---|
| Gynecology | Medicaid covers all medically necessary gynecological services and check-ups, including pregnancy testing |
| Erectile Dysfunction | No |
| Family Planning | The program covers all costs associated with delaying pregnancy, including contraception medication |
| Birth Control | Covers birth control devices, like the intrauterine device |
| STI Management | Wyoming Medicaid provides coverage for screening and managing sexually transmitted infections |
| Infertility Treatment | No |
| Specialist Services | |
|---|---|
| Dermatologist | Medicaid might cover dermatology services when considered medically necessary and after a referral from a general practitioner. Medically necessary dermatology includes treatment for skin cancer or some forms of acne but may require pre-approval. |
| Physiotherapy | The Wyoming Medicaid handbook makes no mention of whether it covers physiotherapy, but it allows for up to 20 physical therapy (an associated treatment) sessions a year. You'll likely have coverage for these expenses if your provider deems them medically necessary and you have a referral from a qualified professional. |
| Massage Therapy | While the handbook doesn't mention massage coverage, many insurance programs group it under acupuncture, which Medicaid doesn't cover. If you have questions, ask your provider under what circumstances you might obtain coverage for massage services. |
| Podiatry and Foot Care | Medicaid doesn't cover any podiatry services except in the rare situation where they previously paid primary. |
| Allergist and Allergy Testing | The Medicaid handbook doesn't explicitly state whether it covers services from an allergist. However, based on general policy, the program likely covers these services when medically necessary and provided by a qualified healthcare professional. |
| Sleep Physician Services and CPAP Machines | Like other services that the handbook doesn't mention, you can likely receive coverage for sleep services and devices under certain qualifying conditions. | If you require medical care from a specialist outside the Medicaid network or from a healthcare sector not covered under Medicaid, consider supplementing the plan with additional private insurance. |
Now that you understand what Wyoming Medicaid covers, you can make an educated choice about whether you should expand your coverage. While the program can provide for your basic medical needs, many people choose to supplement it with third-party insurance.
When you extend your healthcare coverage with additional insurance, you gain the following benefits:
Your options for extending your medical coverage include the following:
How can you determine the best third-party insurance for you? First, consider your budget. If you qualify for Medicaid, you probably don't have much income to spare, but even if you can only find an extra $100 in your monthly budget, consider how much money you'll save in the event something goes wrong. Other types of private insurance, such as life insurance, can help pay for medical costs Medicaid will not cover, especially in the event of your passing.
Next, consider what type of treatment you need that Medicaid doesn't cover. Rather than looking for a general insurance plan that doubles up coverage with Medicaid, consider finding a policy that only covers things like podiatry, eye care, or massage. Also, consider a catastrophic plan that has a deductible but a low monthly premium.
If you want greater coverage than Wyoming Medicaid can supply, search the Insurdinary website today. We help you compare prices and find the best coverage for your needs. To evaluate your options, apply for a free online quote.
Insurdinary, and its network of partners offer many different types of insurance. In addition to health, dental, disability, life, funeral and travel insurance as discussed on this page, you may also be interested to explore the following:
