Medicare in Wyoming: How to Apply & More

As you approach the age of 65, you probably have a lot on your mind. You might be thinking about retirement, and you know you’ll soon be eligible for Medicare. 
There are a lot of decisions to make, and you might have concerns. “Does Wyoming have Medicare Advantage plans?” might be one of your questions. Or you might wonder who qualifies for Medicare and how to enroll.

This guide will answer many of the most common questions we hear about Medicare in Wyoming, which will help you make the choice that’s right for you. And, if you have more specific questions, we’re always available to help!

 How Do I Apply for Medicare in Wyoming?

As you get ready to apply for Medicare, you first need to make sure that you qualify. Medicare is a health coverage intended for those who are less likely to be able to get health insurance through an employer. 

As a result, to qualify for Medicare, you need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived in the country for at least five years, and one of the following must also apply:

• You’re age 65 or older.
• You’re under 65 but disabled and receiving disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
• You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
• You have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Your initial enrollment period, if you qualify based on your age, starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and extends three months afterward. It’s important to take advantage of the options during your initial enrollment period.

Many Americans are automatically enrolled in Medicare when they are first eligible. If you’re not automatically enrolled in Medicare, you’ll need to contact the Social Security office directly to enroll. Here are some options:

• Contact your local Social Security office.
• Call 1-800-772-1213 to enroll over the phone.
• If you retired from a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
• Sign up for Part A online at www.socialsecurity.gov and Part B using Form CMS-40B.

During automatic enrollment, you’ll be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B. However, you won’t have any additional coverage. You will need to select those on your own.

The parts of Medicare that you can choose from are:

• Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care and is premium-free for most Americans.
• Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, preventive care, medical equipment, and more. It also has a monthly premium.
• Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs and needs to be purchased through an insurance company.
• Medicare Part C, better known as Medicare Advantage, is a full replacement for Original Medicare and often provides additional benefits.

Getting the right plan for your needs involves comparing all of these plans to see what fits your medical needs and lifestyle.

Does Wyoming have Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage in Wyoming is a popular choice for Medicare recipients. There are almost 53,000 people with a Medicare Advantage plan in Wyoming. If you don’t travel a lot and are looking for extra benefits at a similar price to Original Medicare, it can be a great option. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage, so you won’t have to purchase that separately. 

Medicare Advantage is offered by private insurance companies and there are likely to be multiple options in your area. You can compare these based on their benefits, monthly premiums, deductibles, copay or coinsurance, and more. 

The important thing to keep in mind is that Medicare Advantage plans will have a specific, limited medical provider network that is based in your local area. You might not be able to get non-emergency care outside that network. So, if you travel often it might not be the best option for you.

When comparing Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, if you’re looking for extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as vision, dental, and reduced cost on gym memberships, Medicare Advantage plans can offer these for you. Sometimes the Advantage plan won’t cost any more than your Part B premium would have, but other plans will have an additional premium.

The fact that you have so many Medicare options in Wyoming is why it’s important to understand your options and compare plans to get the right coverage for your needs.

 Learn More About Medicare in Wyoming

This guide answered many of the common questions we hear about Medicare in Wyoming. Do you have other questions about your specific situation? Or would you like to talk to a licensed agent to help you compare Medicare options? We’re here to help. Contact us today!