If you live in Wyoming and need affordable health coverage, Medicaid may be an option for you or your family. Wyoming Medicaid provides free or low-cost medical coverage to eligible residents, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. Understanding who qualifies and how to apply can feel overwhelming, but this guide breaks down everything you need to know about applying for Medicaid in Wyoming in 2026.
Not sure if you qualify? Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Medicaid and other assistance programs in just a few minutes.
Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in Wyoming?
Wyoming is one of the states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This means that eligibility is more limited compared to expansion states. Childless adults under 65 generally do not qualify for Wyoming Medicaid, regardless of how low their income is.
The following groups may be eligible for Wyoming Medicaid:
- Children ages 0 to 5 in families with income at or below 154% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Children ages 6 to 18 in families with income at or below 133% FPL
- Pregnant women with household income at or below 154% FPL
- Parents and caretaker relatives caring for a child under 18, with income at or below approximately 43% FPL
- SSI recipients who are automatically eligible
- Seniors and individuals with disabilities who meet income and resource requirements
- Employed individuals with disabilities (ages 16 to 64) through the EID program
Wyoming also extends postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months after delivery, which is an important benefit for new mothers.
The Coverage Gap in Wyoming
Because Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid, an estimated 9,000 residents fall into what is known as the "coverage gap." These individuals earn too little to qualify for subsidized health insurance through the ACA Marketplace (which requires income of at least 100% FPL) but do not meet the strict categorical requirements for traditional Medicaid. If you fall into this gap, you may still want to explore other programs. Check the Wyoming Benefits Overview for a full list of assistance options.
Wyoming Medicaid Income Limits (2026)
Income limits vary based on your household size and the category you fall under. The table below shows monthly income thresholds for the major Medicaid eligibility groups in Wyoming.
| Household Size | Parents/Caretakers (~43% FPL) | Children 6 to 18 (133% FPL) | Children 0 to 5 / Pregnant (154% FPL) | Kid Care CHIP (200% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $529 | $1,735 | $2,009 | $2,609 |
| 2 | $737 | $2,345 | $2,715 | $3,525 |
| 3 | $873 | $2,954 | $3,421 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $999 | $3,564 | $4,126 | $5,359 |
| 5 | $1,192 | $4,173 | $4,832 | $6,275 |
| 6 | $1,327 | $4,783 | $5,538 | $7,192 |
Based on 2025 Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Income is calculated using Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) for most categories.
Note: These income limits are based on the most recent verified data. Limits may be updated when new FPL guidelines are released each year, typically in January.
Kid Care CHIP: Coverage for Children
If your children do not qualify for Medicaid but your family income is at or below 200% FPL, they may qualify for Kid Care CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program). Kid Care CHIP covers children from birth through age 18 and provides comprehensive health benefits including doctor visits, hospital care, dental, vision, and prescriptions.
You apply for Kid Care CHIP using the same application as Medicaid. The state will automatically determine which program your child qualifies for based on your household income.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Wyoming: Step by Step
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting your application, collect the following information for everyone in your household:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of Wyoming residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your address)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms, or a letter from your employer)
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration documents)
- Proof of pregnancy (if applicable, a statement from your doctor)
- Information about current health insurance (if any)
- Resources and assets (bank statements, for some categories)
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Wyoming offers several ways to apply for Medicaid:
By Phone (Recommended for Assistance) Call the Wyoming Medicaid/Kid Care CHIP hotline at 1-855-294-2127 (TTY/TDD: 1-855-329-5204). A representative can walk you through the application process and answer questions.
In Person Visit your local Department of Family Services (DFS) office. You can find your nearest office at dfs.wyo.gov. Staff can help you complete and submit your application on the spot.
By Mail Download a paper application from the Wyoming Department of Health website or request one by calling the hotline. Complete the form and mail it to the address listed on the application.
Online Through Healthcare.gov Since Wyoming uses the federal marketplace, you can also apply for Medicaid through Healthcare.gov. When you fill out a marketplace application, the system will automatically check if you or your family members qualify for Medicaid or CHIP and route your application accordingly.
Step 3: Complete Your Application
When filling out your application, be thorough and accurate. You will need to provide:
- Names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for all household members
- Your household income from all sources
- Information about your living situation
- Any current health insurance coverage
- Whether anyone in the household is pregnant, disabled, or a veteran
Answer all questions completely. Incomplete applications may be delayed or denied.
Step 4: Submit Your Application and Follow Up
After submitting your application, Wyoming Medicaid has up to 45 days to process standard applications (90 days for disability-related applications). You should receive a determination letter in the mail.
To check the status of your application at any time, call 1-855-294-2127.
If you are approved, your coverage may be backdated up to three months before your application date, as long as you were eligible during that time.
Step 5: Use Your Benefits
Once approved, you will receive a Wyoming Medicaid ID card. You can use the Wyoming Medicaid Client Portal to:
- Check your eligibility status
- View your benefits and covered services
- Request a replacement ID card
- Request transportation assistance for medical appointments
Other Medicaid Programs in Wyoming
Beyond standard Medicaid, Wyoming offers several specialized programs:
Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment (BCCT) Women diagnosed through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program with income at or below 250% FPL may qualify for treatment coverage through Medicaid.
Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Working individuals ages 16 to 64 who meet SSA disability criteria can receive Medicaid by paying a monthly premium. Earned income is exempt from the eligibility determination.
Medicare Savings Programs If you have Medicare, Wyoming Medicaid can help pay your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays:
| Program | Income Limit (Individual) |
|---|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,305/month (100% FPL) |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | $1,565/month (120% FPL) |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | $1,761/month (135% FPL) |
Wyoming Health Insurance Premium Payment (WHIPP) If you qualify for Medicaid and also have employer-sponsored insurance, Wyoming may pay your insurance premiums if it is cost-effective for the state.
What If You Are Denied?
If your Medicaid application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Your denial letter will include instructions on how to request a fair hearing. You typically have 30 days from the date of the denial to file an appeal.
Common reasons for denial include:
- Income exceeds the limit for your category
- Missing documentation
- Not meeting residency or citizenship requirements
- Not falling into a covered eligibility category (particularly for childless adults in Wyoming)
If you are denied, consider checking whether you qualify for other programs. Our free benefits screener checks eligibility for over 11 programs at once, including SNAP, WIC, LIHEAP, and ACA marketplace subsidies.
Other Benefits You May Qualify For
Many people who qualify for Medicaid in Wyoming are also eligible for additional assistance programs:
- SNAP (Food Assistance): Up to $298/month for individuals or $994/month for a family of four
- WIC: Nutrition assistance for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5
- LIEAP: Help paying heating bills (available October through April)
- Kid Care CHIP: Health coverage for children in families earning up to 200% FPL
- POWER (Cash Assistance): Up to $781/month for eligible families with children
Use our benefits screener to see all the programs you may qualify for in one quick check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can childless adults get Medicaid in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid, so adults aged 19 to 64 without dependent children are generally not eligible, regardless of income. You may qualify for subsidized coverage through Healthcare.gov if your income is at least 100% FPL ($15,650/year for an individual in 2025).
How long does it take to get approved for Wyoming Medicaid?
Wyoming Medicaid processes most applications within 45 days. Applications involving a disability determination may take up to 90 days. You can check your status by calling 1-855-294-2127.
Can I apply for Medicaid and CHIP at the same time?
Yes. Wyoming uses a single application for both Medicaid and Kid Care CHIP. The state will automatically determine which program your household members qualify for based on age and income.
Is there an asset or resource limit for Wyoming Medicaid?
For most categories that use MAGI-based income counting (children, pregnant women, parents), there is no asset test. However, for SSI-related categories and some elderly/disabled programs, resource limits may apply (typically $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples).
Does Wyoming Medicaid cover dental and vision?
Wyoming Medicaid covers dental and vision services for children. Adult dental and vision coverage is more limited. Contact Wyoming Medicaid at 1-800-251-1269 for details about specific covered services.
Can I get Medicaid if I am pregnant?
Yes. Pregnant women in Wyoming with household income at or below 154% FPL qualify for Medicaid. Coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for up to 12 months after delivery.
What is the coverage gap?
The coverage gap affects people who earn too little to qualify for ACA Marketplace subsidies (below 100% FPL) but do not meet Wyoming's Medicaid eligibility categories. An estimated 9,000 Wyoming residents fall into this gap. If you are in this situation, explore all available options through our benefits screener.
Key Contacts
- Wyoming Medicaid/Kid Care CHIP Hotline: 1-855-294-2127 (TTY: 1-855-329-5204)
- Wyoming Medicaid General Line: 1-800-251-1269
- Wyoming Department of Family Services: 1-800-457-3659
- Wyoming Medicaid Client Portal: wyomingmedicaid.com
- Healthcare.gov: healthcare.gov
Applying for Medicaid in Wyoming takes some preparation, but the process is straightforward once you know which category you fall under and what documents to gather. Start by checking your eligibility with our free screener, then follow the steps above to submit your application. If you need help at any point, the Wyoming Medicaid hotline is available to guide you through the process.
