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Nursing Homes in Wyoming

With stunning natural scenery and quiet residential spaces, the state of Wyoming offers an attractive setting for many seniors entering retirement. While the Equality State is home to just over half a million people, 17.1% of whom are aged 65 and over, its communities work hard to make life comfortable and affordable for seniors. That's why Casper, Laramie, and Jackson Hole are all members of AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. In addition to community support from organizations such as the AARP, older adults in Wyoming benefit from an overall cost of living that's 1.9% lower than the national average. While some parts of Wyoming receive high amounts of snowfall in the winter, most of the state experiences pleasant summers and low amounts of annual rainfall. 

Seniors in Wyoming who require the services of a nursing home due to a complex medical condition or disability have access to 37 licensed nursing facilities throughout the state. This guide is designed to help seniors and their families learn more about how much nursing home care costs and where to get financial aid. Seniors can also learn about the laws and regulations that govern nursing homes in Wyoming.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in Wyoming



According to detailed research by SeniorAdvice, living in Wyoming can offer a key advantage to seniors. The state received a SeniorScore of 66, which is six points lower than the national average. The overall score is divided into four categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances, and General Quality of Life. 

In spite of its low overall rating, Wyoming earned an impressive score of 80 in the Finances category, due to several reasons that may benefit seniors. The state doesn't levy a tax on any type of income, including Social Security benefits, pensions and retirement account withdrawals. For seniors who own real estate, Wyoming has one of the lowest property taxes rates in the country at just .57% of the appraised value, which may help them save more money for nursing care. Additionally, the state's sales tax rate is just 6%, which is one point lower than the national average of 7%.

Wyoming received a 61 in General Quality of life, based on factors such as its low annual rainfall levels and relatively low year-round temperatures compared to other areas of the United States. The state scored a 48 in both the Health & Safety and Recreation & Leisure categories. Health & Safety was influenced by the average access to Medicare-registered doctors and limited access to hospitals and other types of healthcare facilities, likely because of the state's low population density. Wyoming scored low in the Recreation & Leisure category due to a lack of amenities found in many areas with larger populations, although it's home to some of the nation's most famous national parks and forests.



Top Nursing Care in Wyoming




 
 

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Wyoming



Seniors in Wyoming pay more for nursing home care than older adults in some neighboring states. According to Genworth's Cost of Care Survey 2020, Wyoming's average monthly rate of $8,258 is about $500 higher than the national median. To the north in Montana, the average is $7,665. Nebraska and South Dakota, both to the east of Wyoming, have similar costs of $7,194 and $7,011 per month, respectively. In contrast, the average rate in Colorado is $259 higher at $8,517 per month.

  • Wyoming: $8,258
  • United States: $7,756
  • Colorado: $8,517
  • Nebraska: $7,194
  • South Dakota: $7,011
  • Montana: $7,665

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Wyoming's Top Cities 

In the two surveyed cities in Wyoming, Cheyenne and Casper, the average monthly nursing home costs are $8,547 and $8,456, respectively. In Idaho Falls, Idaho, near the western Wyoming border, the average is $9,064 per month. The rate in Billings, Montana, is on par with the U.S. median at $7,756. In Fort Collins, Colorado, near the southern Wyoming border, seniors pay $8,971 per month. 

  • Cheyenne: $8,547
  • Casper: $8,456
  • Fort Collins, CO: $8,971
  • Billings, MT: $7,756
  • Idaho Falls, ID: $9,064

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Wyoming

At an average cost of $8,258 per month, nursing homes provide the most expensive type of senior care in Wyoming. The most affordable option is adult day care, which costs just $3,250 per month, on average. The respective costs for in-home care and home health care services are $5,362 and $5,552 per month. Assisted living facilities charge $4,175 per month, on average, while memory care services cost $5,219 on a monthly basis.

  • Memory Care: $5,219
  • Assisted Living: $4,175
  • In-Home Care: $5,362
  • Home Health Care: $5,552
  • Adult Day Care: $3,250
  • Nursing Home Care: $8,258

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Wyoming



As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.

Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in Wyoming.



Medicaid in Wyoming


The Medicaid program in Wyoming serves low-income individuals and children who can't afford private health insurance. It also helps cover the cost of care in nursing facilities for eligible seniors and disabled individuals. In 2020, a total of 75,360 residents were enrolled in Wyoming Medicaid, which was down from 2015 when the program had more than 90,000 enrollees. More than $540 million was paid to providers during the year, with an average cost of $765 per member. Long-term care services, including those provided at the state's 37 nursing homes, accounted for 48% of Medicaid expenses.

Medicaid Eligibility in Wyoming

Wyoming Medicaid offers Institutional programs to assist seniors who require a certain level of care and are no longer able to live independently in the community. Medicaid for a percentage of care in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes. To qualify for these assistance programs, applicants must be:

  • A resident of Wyoming and a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident for five years
  • Aged 65 or older
  • Assessed by a public health nurse to determine medical eligibility
  • Institutionalized for at least 30 days
  • Earning 300% or less of the federal benefit rate (FBR), which equates to $2,382 per month as of 2021
  • Below the $2,000 countable asset limit, which doesn't include a primary home, one vehicle and certain other resources

Wyoming expects patients to pay for part of their nursing home care based on their income. This payment, which is payable to the facility and called the patient contribution, is calculated using the senior's income minus deductions, which can include health insurance premiums and medical expenses not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. 

Seniors at risk of institutionalization may qualify for Wyoming Medicaid's Community Choices Waiver (CCW). This program can help pay for in-home care, assisted living, and other community-based services to help an eligible senior delay or avoid nursing facility placement. 

To apply for Medicaid coverage, seniors or their family members can complete an application online, or print out a paper copy and return it to the Wyoming Department of Health's Customer Service Center located at 3001 E. Pershing Blvd., Suite 125, in Cheyenne. For more information or to apply by phone, seniors can call (855) 255-2127.



Additional Financial Assistance Options


  • Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
  • Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
  • Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.

Wyoming Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations



Nursing homes, officially called nursing facilities in Wyoming, are licensed and regulated by the Healthcare Licensing and Surveys (HLS) department of the Aging Division in the Department of Health. The department is responsible for the initial licensing of facilities as well as their safe day-to-day operation. Below are some of the rules and regulations that nursing homes in Wyoming must follow.

Scope of Care

Licensed nursing facilities are required to provide 24-hour supervision and medical care in a location that offers all the services and equipment required to keep residents safe and comfortable. To accomplish this goal, the facility will employ nurses, administrators, physicians, pharmacists, therapists and other specialists who may be needed to assist with unique care. Nursing homes are also responsible for providing social services that enable residents to take advantage of community resources located outside of the facility.

Care Planning

When first entering a nursing facility, each new resident must receive a thorough assessment by a nurse to determine their medical needs. A detailed care plan will be created to meet these needs as well as account for the individual's personal preferences. This care plan will be reevaluated once a month to ensure the resident's needs continue to be met. 

Pharmacy Services

All nursing facilities must have procedures in place for dispensing and administering medications to residents. The execution of these procedures must take place under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. A pharmaceutical services committee must also exist to create and enforce policies related to the handling of drugs in a facility. The committee's members must meet quarterly to reviews the performance of the facility's pharmaceutical program.

Staff Screening

Before a staff member is hired, nursing facilities must complete a background check on the individual, including fingerprinting. Staff is also expected to pass a preemployment drug screening. Regular testing for tuberculosis is also required. 

Staff Training

Administrators and nursing staff must complete training related to the duties they're assigned. This training needs to include the demonstration of both regular and restorative nursing procedures. Staff must take part in appropriate training to handle the social and emotional issues exhibited by residents. Dietary supervisors are expected to have certification from the American Dietetic Association or equivalent training in another setting. 

Medicaid Coverage

Wyoming Medicaid pays for nursing facility services for eligible residents, but it may not pay for all expenses. Eligibility is determined based on an individual's income, resources, resident status and medical necessity.

Reporting Abuse

According to the Ombudsman Act, a concerned individual can report suspected abuse or neglect at a Wyoming nursing home to their local representative of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Statewide ombudsman and reporting services are provided by Wyoming Senior Citizens, Inc. (WSCI).


Free Nursing Home Resources in Wyoming



Wyoming Senior Citizens Inc.

Wyoming Senior Citizens (WSC) is a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services to help the state's older residents. In addition to its support of the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, this private organization offers a senior companion program and caregiver support. It also provides unbiased counseling to seniors and their families who are seeking information about Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug plans, Medigap plans and long-term care insurance policies. There are no income or other eligibility requirements to qualify for the programs provided by WSC.



Wyoming Agencies


Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Address: 3120 Old Faithful Road, Suite 200, Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone Number: (877) 634-1005
Website: https://health.wyo.gov/admin/long-term-care-ombudsman-program/

Through its locations in Cheyenne, Riverton and Casper, Wyoming's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program works to resolve complaints and grievances for nursing home residents. Seniors and their families can contact the ombudsman if they have questions or concerns about any aspect of care provided at a long-term care facility. The state also contracts with Wyoming Senior Citizens, Inc. (WSCI) to provide ombudsman services throughout the state. 



Area Agencies on Aging in Wyoming


The Aging Division of the Department of Health acts as Wyoming's statewide Area Agency on Aging and can help seniors and their families access information and resources related to long-term care. The Division provides supportive services, nutrition programs, disease prevention programs and a variety of other aging services statewide. Seniors and their families can access inspection reports for licensed nursing facilities and information about community providers on the Division's website. The Aging Division also oversees three community nursing facilities: the Wyoming Retirement Center in Basin, the Wyoming Pioneer Home in Thermopolis and the Veterans’ Home of Wyoming in Buffalo.



Veteran Affairs Office in Wyoming


Veterans, as well as their surviving spouses and dependents, can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to find out if they're eligible for benefits that can help pay for care in a nursing facility. Seniors veterans who are eligible for VA pensions and have a low income may also qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefits program, which can reduce the financial burden even further. The VA has a Regional Benefit Office in Cheyenne, but help is also available over the phone by calling (800) 698-2411. 



Social Security Offices in Wyoming


Seniors in Wyoming who are eligible for benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), whether disability or retirement, may be able to use these funds to help pay for care in a nursing home. Individuals who meet certain conditions may qualify for additional funding through the Optional State Supplementation program. The SSA has office locations in Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Casper, Sheridan and Cody. Seniors or their family members can also call (866) 336-7580 to receive assistance by phone.

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