Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Wyoming. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Wyoming)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Wyoming SHIP)
Wyoming's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is the Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program (WSHIIP), administered through the Wyoming Department of Health. Trained volunteer counselors give free, unbiased help and do not sell insurance, covering Medicare, Medicare supplement (Medigap), Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and programs that help pay Medicare costs.
WSHIIP statewide: 1-800-856-4398 (also 307-777-7531) Regional coordinators: Riverton 1-800-856-4398, Casper 1-877-634-1006, Cheyenne 1-877-634-1005 WSHIIP: health.wyo.gov
Medicaid in Wyoming
Wyoming Medicaid is administered by the Wyoming Department of Health. For seniors, long-term care includes nursing-facility care and home and community-based services through the Community Choices Waiver (CCW), which gives residents 65 and older (and adults 19 to 64 who are blind or disabled) an alternative to nursing-home care, with services like personal care, adult day care, meal delivery, respite, personal emergency response systems, and non-medical transportation. Because waiver slots are limited, apply early.
How to apply: you must be eligible for Medicaid, then submit a Community Choices Waiver application, choose a case management agency, and complete a functional assessment by a public health nurse. For help, call the Wyoming Medicaid Customer Service Center at 1-855-294-2127 or the Medicaid Long Term Care Unit at 1-855-203-2936. Be ready with Social Security and Medicare cards, income and bank records (long-term-care reviews can look back several years), property deeds, and insurance policies.
WY Department of Health, Home and Community Based Services: health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/hcbs/
Prescription help
Wyoming does not operate a broad State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP) for all seniors separate from Medicaid. Options available:
Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): a federal program that substantially lowers Part D prescription drug costs for qualifying low-income Medicare beneficiaries. Apply through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov. BenefitsCheckUp.org: screens for pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance programs and other savings. WSHIIP counselors (1-800-856-4398) can help you check Extra Help and Medicare Savings Program eligibility at no charge.
Energy and utility help
Wyoming's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS). It helps pay a portion of winter home heating costs, assists with heating emergencies, and improves home energy efficiency. Residents with income up to 60 percent of the state median income may qualify, and priority goes to households with elderly (60 and older), disabled, or young children.
How to apply: apply online at lieapwyo.org or call 1-800-246-4221 (email lieapinfo@wyo.gov). Applications open in early fall for the coming heating season, so check dates each year. The related Weatherization Assistance Program may be available outside the heating-application window.
WY DFS, Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/home-utilities-energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-program-lieap/
Property tax relief (Wyoming)
Wyoming offers senior and homeowner property tax help through the Department of Revenue, your county treasurer, and your county assessor:
Wyoming Property Tax Refund Program: an income-based refund of part of the property taxes paid on your primary residence, funded by the state. Eligibility is tied to household income at or below 145 percent of the county or statewide median household income (whichever is greater), plus an asset limit of about $156,900 per adult in the household (not counting your home, one personal vehicle per adult, or retirement accounts such as IRAs and pensions). Apply each year through the Wyoming Property Tax Refund System (wptrs.wyo.gov) or your county treasurer by the first Monday in June; refunds are generally issued July 1 through September 30. Because the income and asset figures reset annually, confirm the current numbers and dates.
Wyoming Property Tax Exemption for Long-Term Homeowners: a separate exemption for residents who are 65 or older and have paid residential property tax in Wyoming for 25 years or more. It provides 50 percent off property taxes for the 2025 and 2026 tax years. Submit a claim to your county assessor no later than the fourth Monday in May each year, on forms provided by the Department of Revenue. This program is currently set to sunset July 1, 2027 unless extended. Note: this long-term homeowner exemption and Wyoming's general 25 percent homeowner exemption cannot both be used on the same home, so each household qualifies for only one.
WY Department of Revenue, Property Tax Relief: wyo-prop-div.wyo.gov/tax-relief Wyoming Property Tax Refund System: wptrs.wyo.gov
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Wyoming's aging services are coordinated by the Wyoming Department of Health, Aging Division (Community Living Section), and delivered through local senior centers and providers.
Find services through the Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 For Medicare and benefits questions, WSHIIP: 1-800-856-4398
Services available through the network:
- Congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels)
- In-home care, personal care, and homemaker services
- Family caregiver support
- Transportation assistance
- Long-term care ombudsman services for residents of care facilities
Legal aid: free civil legal help for older Wyomingites is available through Legal Aid of Wyoming. You can also reach legal help through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or 211.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wyoming's SHIP program? Wyoming's SHIP is the Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program (WSHIIP), run through the Wyoming Department of Health. Trained volunteer counselors give free, unbiased Medicare help, covering Medigap, Part D drug plans, Medicare Advantage, and cost-savings programs. Reach it at 1-800-856-4398.
Does Wyoming offer property tax relief for seniors? Yes. The income-based Property Tax Refund Program refunds part of the property taxes paid on a primary residence for households at or below 145 percent of the county or statewide median income, applied for through wptrs.wyo.gov or your county treasurer by the first Monday in June. Separately, the Property Tax Exemption for Long-Term Homeowners gives 50 percent off for 2025 and 2026 to residents 65 and older who have paid Wyoming residential property tax for 25 years or more, claimed with the county assessor by the fourth Monday in May (set to sunset July 1, 2027).
How do Wyoming seniors get help with heating bills? Through LIEAP (Wyoming's LIHEAP), run by the Department of Family Services. It helps pay winter heating costs for households with income up to 60 percent of the state median, with priority for elderly and disabled members. Apply at lieapwyo.org or call 1-800-246-4221; applications open in early fall.
How does a Wyoming senior apply for Medicaid long-term care? You must qualify for Medicaid, then apply for the Community Choices Waiver, choose a case management agency, and complete a functional assessment by a public health nurse. Call the Wyoming Medicaid Customer Service Center at 1-855-294-2127 or the Long Term Care Unit at 1-855-203-2936 for help. The waiver can fund in-home care for residents 65 and older.
Sources
- Wyoming Department of Health, WSHIIP (via CMS contact directory): https://www.cms.gov/contacts/wyoming-state-health-insurance-information-program-wshiip/general-beneficiary-contact/1562261 (Verified June 14, 2026)
- WY Department of Health, Home and Community Based Services: https://health.wyo.gov/healthcarefin/hcbs/ (Verified June 14, 2026)
- WY Department of Family Services, LIEAP: https://dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/home-utilities-energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-program-lieap/ (Verified June 14, 2026)
- Wyoming Property Tax Refund System: https://wptrs.wyo.gov/ (Verified June 14, 2026)
- WY Department of Revenue, Property Tax Relief: https://wyo-prop-div.wyo.gov/tax-relief (Verified June 14, 2026)
- WY Property Tax Exemption for Long-Term Homeowners, 2024 Enrolled Act No. 44 (HB0003): https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2024/HB0003 (Verified June 14, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.