Wyoming is one of only ten states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act as of 2026. That means eligibility in Wyoming is more limited than in most other states, and thousands of residents fall into a coverage gap where they earn too little for Marketplace subsidies but do not qualify for Medicaid. If you live in Wyoming and need affordable health coverage, understanding exactly who qualifies and how to apply can save you time and frustration.
This guide covers every major Medicaid and CHIP program available in Wyoming for 2026, with current income limits pulled directly from the Wyoming Department of Health.
Who Qualifies for Wyoming Medicaid in 2026?
Wyoming Medicaid covers specific groups of residents based on age, family status, disability, and income. Because the state has not adopted Medicaid expansion, adults under 65 without dependent children generally cannot qualify, regardless of how low their income is.
The groups that can qualify include:
- Parents and caretaker relatives with dependent children (income up to roughly 56% of the Federal Poverty Level)
- Pregnant women (income up to 154% FPL, with 12 months of postpartum coverage)
- Children ages 0 to 5 (income up to 154% FPL)
- Children ages 6 to 18 (income up to 133% FPL)
- Kids on CHIP (Kid Care CHIP) (income up to 200% FPL)
- Seniors 65 and older who meet income and asset requirements
- People with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicare beneficiaries with limited income (Medicare Savings Programs)
For a quick check on your own eligibility across multiple programs, try our free benefits screener.
2026 Income Limits for Families and Children
The table below shows monthly income limits from the Wyoming Department of Health for family and children programs. These are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
| Family Size | Parents (56% FPL) | Children 6-18 (133% FPL) | Pregnant Women & Children 0-5 (154% FPL) | Pregnant by Choice (159% FPL) | Kid Care CHIP (200% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $529 | $1,735 | $2,009 | $2,074 | $2,609 |
| 2 | $737 | $2,345 | $2,715 | $2,803 | $3,525 |
| 3 | $873 | $2,954 | $3,421 | $3,532 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $999 | $3,564 | $4,126 | $4,260 | $5,359 |
| 5 | $1,192 | $4,173 | $4,832 | $4,989 | $6,275 |
| 6 | $1,327 | $4,783 | $5,538 | $5,718 | $7,192 |
Source: Wyoming Department of Health, current as of 2025/2026. Amounts shown are monthly income limits.
For example, a family of three with two parents and one child would need a household income below $873 per month (about $10,476 per year) for the parents to qualify. Their children could qualify with household income up to $2,954 per month if the kids are between 6 and 18, or up to $3,421 per month for children under 6.
Medicare Savings Programs
Wyoming also offers Medicare Savings Programs that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for premiums and cost-sharing. The 2026 monthly income limits are:
| Family Size | QMB (100% FPL) | SLMB (120% FPL) | QI (135% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,305 | $1,565 | $1,761 |
| 2 | $1,763 | $2,115 | $2,380 |
- QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance
- SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Pays the Part B premium
- QI (Qualified Individual): Also pays the Part B premium for those with slightly higher income
Long-Term Care Medicaid for Seniors
Seniors who need nursing home care or home and community-based services have a separate set of eligibility rules with both income and asset limits:
| Program | Single Income Limit | Single Asset Limit | Married (One Spouse Applying) Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Home Medicaid | $2,982/month | $2,000 | $2,000 applicant / $162,660 non-applicant |
| HCBS Waivers | $2,982/month | $2,000 | $2,000 applicant / $162,660 non-applicant |
| Regular (Aged, Blind, Disabled) | $994/month | $2,000 | $3,000 combined |
The non-applicant spouse can keep up to $162,660 in assets (the Community Spouse Resource Allowance for 2026), which protects them from having to spend down all household savings.
The Wyoming Coverage Gap
Because Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid, an estimated 9,000 residents are stuck in a "coverage gap." These are adults who earn too little to qualify for premium tax credits on the ACA Marketplace (which require income of at least 100% FPL) but also do not fit into any traditional Medicaid category.
If you fall into this gap, your options are limited but worth exploring:
- Community health centers often provide care on a sliding fee scale based on income
- Wyoming 211 (dial 2-1-1) connects residents with local assistance programs
- Hospital charity care programs may cover emergency and some non-emergency services
- Short-term health plans are available in Wyoming, though they offer less comprehensive coverage
You can also check if you qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, or WIC through our benefits screener.
How to Apply for Wyoming Medicaid
Applying is free and can be done several ways:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting, collect the following for each household member:
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from an employer)
- Proof of Wyoming residency (utility bill, lease, or ID)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Information about any current health coverage
Step 2: Choose an Application Method
- Online: Visit HealthCare.gov to start your application. The federal marketplace will determine whether you qualify for Medicaid or Marketplace coverage. You can also apply through the Wyoming Department of Health website.
- By phone: Call 1-800-318-2596 (HealthCare.gov) or 1-800-251-1269 (Wyoming Medicaid directly)
- By mail: Download the application from health.wyo.gov in English or Spanish, fill it out, and mail it to the Wyoming Department of Health
- In person: Visit your local Department of Family Services office
Step 3: Complete the Interview (if required)
For some programs, particularly long-term care Medicaid, you may need to complete an interview or provide additional documentation. The state will contact you if anything else is needed.
Step 4: Receive Your Determination
Wyoming typically processes applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-related applications). You will receive a notice by mail with your eligibility determination. If approved, your coverage may be retroactive up to three months before your application date if you would have been eligible during that time.
Kid Care CHIP: Coverage for Children
Wyoming's CHIP program, called Kid Care CHIP, covers children in families with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level who do not qualify for Medicaid. For a family of four, that means monthly income up to $5,359.
Kid Care CHIP provides comprehensive benefits including:
- Doctor visits and checkups
- Immunizations
- Hospital care
- Dental and vision care
- Mental health services
- Prescription medications
There are no premiums for Kid Care CHIP, though some services may have small copays for families with higher incomes within the eligible range.
Pregnant Women: Extended Postpartum Coverage
Wyoming enacted legislation in 2023 to extend Medicaid coverage for new mothers to 12 months after giving birth, up from the previous 60-day limit. Pregnant women with household incomes up to 154% FPL qualify for full Medicaid coverage, and the Pregnant by Choice program provides family planning services for those with incomes up to 159% FPL who enroll within 60 days postpartum.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment
Wyoming Medicaid covers treatment for women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through the CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Income limits for this program extend up to 250% FPL. For an individual, that means a monthly income limit of roughly $3,261.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can childless adults get Medicaid in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid, so adults under 65 without dependent children do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income. This is different from the 40 states (plus D.C.) that have expanded Medicaid to cover adults with incomes up to 138% FPL.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most applications are processed within 45 days. Disability-related applications may take up to 90 days. If you need coverage sooner, make sure your application is complete and all requested documents are submitted promptly.
Can I apply at any time or is there an enrollment period?
Medicaid and CHIP do not have open enrollment periods. You can apply at any time during the year. If you qualify, coverage can start immediately and may even be retroactive for up to three months.
What if I am denied?
You have the right to appeal any denial. The denial notice will include instructions for how to request a fair hearing. You can also contact Wyoming Legal Services at 1-877-432-9955 for free legal help with Medicaid appeals.
How many people are enrolled in Wyoming Medicaid?
As of late 2025, approximately 59,700 Wyoming residents were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP combined.
Will Wyoming expand Medicaid?
As of early 2026, there is no active legislation to expand Medicaid in Wyoming. The state legislature has rejected expansion proposals multiple times despite polls showing majority public support. The 2025 legislative session did not include any Medicaid expansion bills.
Other Benefits You May Qualify For
If you are looking into Medicaid, you may also be eligible for other programs that can help reduce household expenses:
- SNAP (food assistance): Helps cover grocery costs for low-income households
- LIHEAP: Assists with heating and utility bills during Wyoming's cold winters
- WIC: Provides nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children
- EITC and CTC: Tax credits that can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket at tax time
Check all of your potential benefits at once with our free benefits screener, or visit our Wyoming Benefits Overview page to learn about state-specific programs.
