Last week I was looking over snowdrifts outside my window. Today the view is clear as the drifts have melted away. Situations can change quickly and leave one in unfamiliar and unexpected circumstances.

Enroll Wyoming can help people keep up with life's changes. Maybe you've lost your Medicaid benefits. Maybe you want to retire early but are worried about letting go of your job-based health coverage. Maybe you're feeling confused about what your insurance does and does not cover.

Our skilled navigators can guide people through their options. So whether you are dealing with a surprise, planning for the future, or trying to better understand your current situation, Enroll Wyoming can help you make informed decisions in an ever-changing world.

-- Caleb Michael Smith, Enroll Wyoming marketing director

Deadline to submit applications is May 1

Once again Enroll Wyoming is looking for partners who are willing to have staff go through the training so they can help people sign up for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Selected recipients could get up to $5,000.

This could be a great opportunity for a health-related business interested in increasing its profits while helping patients improve their quality of life.

As part of the grant, recipients would become a Certified Application Counselor Designated Organization, or CDO. These organizations oversee counselors who are trained to help consumers find health insurance coverage through the marketplace. This aids both customers, who can get health care at an affordable price, and business, which get paid for more services and fewer uncollected debts.

The grant funding can be used to offset costs for staff working on this application, counselor training, time spent away from normal work activities, travel for training and related conferences, and other costs associated with applying for or executing the grant.

Prior to applying, organizations should review requirements and expectations. They should also know that grant recipients must submit information when requested, such as monthly reports and training completion certificates.

Submissions are available through an online application or filling out this Word document and sending it to Lead Navigator Dasa Robertson. All applications are due to Enroll Wyoming by Monday, May 1.

Assistance is available with the application process. For example, you can watch this video on the topic.

In addition the main topic of our monthly livestream will focus on the grant opportunities offered by Enroll Wyoming. Catch us live by visiting our Facebook page at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, or watch the video afterward.

For more information, contact Robertson.

The Medicaid unwinding process continues as the Wyoming Department of Health - Medicaid Division has started reviewing the eligibility of those enrolled in the program.

It will take a year to evaluate everyone, but now is the time to make sure that contact information is up to date. If you or someone you know is enrolled in Medicaid, remind them to keep on top of updates and any inquiries.

Enrollees can review their contact details by calling 855-294-2127 or visiting www.wesystem.wyo.gov. Qualified families could lose their benefits if they cannot be reached.

In addition to updating contact information, Medicaid participants should be watching their mail. Many have never gone through the renewal process before and don't know how it works.

Enroll Wyoming offers free assistance to re-enroll in Medicaid or identify alternatives if a family or individual is determined to be ineligible to continue in the program. Those who lose Medicaid health coverage may be able to get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. It offers quality, affordable plans to those who suffer life-changing situations.

To connect with an Enroll Wyoming Navigator and explore your options, go to enrollwyo.org or dial 211.

We are asking partners and individuals to help spread the word by sharing informational materials through social media and newsletters. Find more informational resources like more graphics and sample text for newsletters here.

Following reports of fake texts and bogus calls seeking money, Wyoming Medicaid is alerting residents about current Medicaid renewal scams that are targeting program clients. Wyoming Medicaid is part of the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH),

“Some of our clients are receiving text messages claiming their Medicaid coverage was at risk for cancellation or they have actually already lost benefits. When clients call the listed number, they are threatened and asked for $500 to continue their benefits,” said Lee Grossman, state Medicaid agent and Division of Healthcare Financing senior administrator with WDH.

Wyoming Medicaid and the related Kid Care CHIP program never charge or ask for money from individuals to enroll or re-enroll. No one should share banking or credit card information with anyone that calls claiming to be from Wyoming Medicaid or the Wyoming Department of Health.

While WDH does send legitimate text messages to clients with important information regarding updating contact information, completing renewals and taking surveys, these do not discuss a specific person’s potential loss of coverage and do not seek money.

“If someone pushes for money so you can continue to be covered by Wyoming Medicaid, they are not a real representative of our program,” Grossman said. “Rather, they are likely to be a criminal.”

In earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government stopped states from reviewing Medicaid eligibility of enrolled clients in exchange for temporarily increased federal funding. A change in federal law is now allowing states to return to their normal renewal plans. This process is known as Medicaid unwinding.

“We have started sending renewal notices to clients in the same manner as we did before the pandemic,” Grossman said. “One way to help avoid scam attempts is to make sure we have your current contact information so you do not miss the real and official renewal notice.”

Wyoming Medicaid enrollees can update their contact information online at www.wesystem.wyo.gov or by calling 1-855-294-2127.

A certain percentage of renewal notices are being sent to current enrollees each month for the next year. Not all clients will receive their renewal notices at the same time.

“We’ll be renewing people who are still eligible for Wyoming Medicaid services while we also end coverage for those who are no longer eligible,” Grossman said.

Common reasons clients lose coverage include reaching adulthood so they are no longer eligible for coverage as a child, an increase in personal and family income, a health status change, or moving to another state.

Medicaid is a joint federal-state insurance program that pays for the medical and long-term care of low-income and medically needy individuals and families. More information about Wyoming Medicaid can be found online.

Be cautious to tell the difference between a scammer and a legitimate inquiry. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notes that those who apply for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage may get a phone call from the marketplace asking one to verify or provide more information. If they don’t have this information, they may not be able to process your application.

Follow these tips to help prevent fraud:

If your phone has caller ID, check the number. The display may show one of these:

-- Health Insurance MP

-- InsMarketplace

-- 1-855-997-1890

-- 844-477-7500

The customer service representative will say they are calling from the marketplace and provide a first name and agent ID number. Write them down.

A marketplace representative may leave a message on your answering machine. If this happens, you won’t be able to call back. If the Marketplace can’t reach you after three tries, you’ll get a letter in the mail telling you what to do next.

The marketplace representative may ask the following:

-- To verify your identity, using information you provided on your application, including your full name and address.

-- To provide or verify your Social Security Number, application ID, policy ID, user ID, date of birth, or phone number.

-- To verify or provide income, household, and employment information, but NOT personal financial information, like a bank name and account number. 

There are some things that they will never ask:

-- They will not ask about any personal health information, like your medical history or conditions. (If you’re applying for certain Marketplace exemptions, you may be asked to provide medical documentation.)

-- They will not ask your Marketplace account password or security code.

-- They will not ask for money or any other financial incentive to do their job.

If you don’t want to answer over the phone, ask the representative to mail a letter with instructions for completing the application.

In certain cases, the marketplace may request additional documentation. One can upload documents or mail information to:

Health Insurance Marketplace

465 Industrial Blvd.

London, KY 40750-0001

Don’t mail any information to a different address. The ZIP code may end with four extra numbers the representative provides.

The public health emergency (surrounding Covid 19) that was declared in 2020 is coming to an end next month. Wyoming Equality issued a "healthcare alert" that this will likely impact telehealth treatments for some trans individuals.

The act ends May 11. This means that the rules around telehealth care will be changing. Most importantly, Wyoming Equality said it is likely that it will no longer be legal for testosterone treatment to be prescribed using telehealth alone. A person will probably need at least one in-person visit with a provider to get started.

Wyoming Equality believes a solution is available. It said, most likely, one will need to schedule an in-person visit with a provider, who can give a referral to continue seeing the telehealth provider who is prescribing testosterone treatment. Then, the telehealth provider one sees for testosterone treatment will be able to go ahead with the treatment as normal.

Telehealth advocates around the country have provided comments on this decision and the potential impacts of the in-person rule, knowing its possible ramifications. Wyoming Equality said personal stories are important as professionals highlight the barriers to care that marginalized communities face to receive the care they need to thrive.

Additionally, the in-person provider will need to be certified with the DEA -- physicians, nurse practitioners, and public health officers all have this certification.

Wyoming Equality stressed that if people do not have an in-person provider they are comfortable discussing treatment with, reach out to info@wyomingequality.org or 307-222-8178.

Why is Wyoming Equality saying things like “probably” and “likely”? It explained the change in rules is coming from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is not providing clear guidance on this matter. However, medical providers and legal experts across the country are concerned about this issue.

Wyoming Equality wants to be sure that the Wyoming community is as ready as possible. Given what is known, it said it’s important to be prepared to seek an in-person visit and referral.

We ask members of our staff to answer questions to help our partners and supporters learn a little more about our work and the team behind Enroll Wyoming.

Festi Edwards: I am a Navigator with Enroll Wyoming. I cover Natrona, Converse, and Niobrara counties with my team members. I assist people with considering their health coverage options, provide information and education, make presentations, and provide community outreach. This is all at no cost. Please reach out if your organization would like to hear more about how we can help.

Dasa Robertson: I am the Lead Marketplace Navigator with Enroll Wyoming. Prior to this role, I served as a social worker in roles such as case manager and victim advocate. Throughout my career, I have placed persons in crises as a top priority, continuously hoping to find the next piece to help persons in strained circumstances, whether financial, emotional or both. My hope was that the person in crises, would be able to walk away with some sense of hope and a smile. Hence, accepting the job with Enroll Wyoming as a Health Insurance Navigator truly provided that next step to making sure people are getting the health care necessary to remain healthy and able to provide for themselves and their families. It is with this professional compassion, empathy and drive that I continue to serve the residents of Wyoming and assist the other Navigators as they venture out with that same passion and tenacity.  

Angela Thatcher: I am the Southwest region Navigator, which covers Carbon, Sweetwater, Uinta, Lincoln, Sublette, and Teton counties. I travel throughout my region educating people about health insurance, helping them find affordable options, connecting them to resources, and building relationships with community partners.

Bandage Dan: I'm the mascot for the nonprofit. Did you not see March's Know Your Navigator feature? You can commonly spot me in social media posts, Enroll Wyoming swag, and standing on tables during outreach events.

Festi: I am an ultra prepared person. If you were ever stranded, you would want to be with me! I even carry a deck of cards so I have something to do while waiting. My best advice is to make sure your vehicle is in good condition, splurge for great tires, and stay home and off the roads if you can so you don't get stranded in the first place.

Dasa: The best strategies are one, layer clothes; two, wear gloves/mittens; three, make sure you have winter gear in your car, and four, make sure you have a good quality health plan for the “just in case.” (“Just in case” – skiing accidents, slipping and falling, sore throats, colds and flu.)   

Angela: When I’m on the road in the winter, I always bring a suitcase with extra clothes, food and water, and other supplies. I am also very aware of how full my gas tank is and don’t let it get too low; you never know when you will get stuck and need to use some of that gas to keep warm.

Bandage Dan: I gave my favorite tip to always buckle up last month, but I guess you want another one? When in doubt about weather dangers, stay home. I find that easy as I often stay still for long stretches at a time.

-- Enroll Wyoming will be at the Albany County Public Library on

310 South Eighth Street in Laramie on Thursdays.

-- Enroll Wyoming will participate in an AARP event on Friday, April 14, at the Wyoming Theater on 42 North Main Street in Sheridan.

-- Enroll Wyoming will participate in the Trails to Collaboration - 2023 Diabetes & Nutrition Healthcare Conference on April 14-15 at the Hilton Garden Inn on 2229 Grand Ave. in Laramie.

-- Enroll Wyoming will participate in a tabling event hosted by Campbell County Health on Saturday, April 15, at 501 South Burma in Gillette

-- Enroll Wyoming is sponsoring the Cody Chamber of Commerce luncheon that starts at noon Monday, April 17, at the Cody Club Room on 1240 Beck Ave.

-- The Power of Rural - Healthcare Conference will take place April 17-19 on

2221 Grand Ave. in Laramie. It will include a presentation by Enroll Wyoming Navigator Angela Thatcher.

-- Those who attend the Cody Job Fair that starts at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, at the Cody Auditorium on 1240 Beck Ave. can get assistance with health coverage from Enroll Wyoming.

-- Look for the Enroll Wyoming table at the Big Horn Home Builders Association's Home and Garden Show on April 21-23 at the Ramada Plaza at 1809 Sugarland Drive in Sheridan.

-- Uinta County Public Health is hosting a Community Health Fair that coincides with the Bridger Valley Electric annual meeting. The fair begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at Lyman High School on 1305 East Clark St.

-- There will be an Enroll Wyoming table at the 10th annual Laramie Home and Garden Show beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, on 3510 E. Garfield St.

-- Enroll Wyoming will take part in the Cheyenne Community Resources Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Story Gym on 2811 House Ave. in Cheyenne.

-- There will be an Enroll Wyoming table at Casper College on 1944 Lisco Drive on Tuesday, April 25.

-- Those who visit the Cheyenne VA building on 2360 E. Pershing on Tuesday, April 25, can stop by the Enroll Wyoming table.

-- Watch the next Enroll Wyoming livestream online at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 27. The main topic will be about grant opportunities.

-- Enroll Wyoming will be part of the Total Spring Show on Friday, April 28, at the Wheatland Agriplex on 851 Gilchrist St.

-- The Parents Helping Parents' Parent Information Center (PIC) annual conference will be April 28-29 on 800 N Poplar Street in Casper. Look for members of Enroll Wyoming at the event.

-- Carbon County Public Health will host a health fair starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29, at the Rawlins Family Recreation Center on 1616 Harshman St.

-- The Spring Business Expo will be Saturday, April 29, at the Worland Community Center on 1200 Culbertson Ave F. There will be a table for Enroll Wyoming.

-- Enroll Wyoming will take part in the Worland Workforce Services event at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at 1200 Culberson Ave. in Worland.

-- The rescheduled Rawlins job fair will run from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, at the Jeffrey Center on 315 W. Pine St. in Rawlins.

-- Safe Kids Day is celebrating its 25th year. Enroll Wyoming will be part of the festivities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at the Cheyenne YMCA on 1426 East Lincolnway.

-- There will be a community forum and an opportunity for family members of those with dementia or Alzheimer's, community leaders, faith leaders, first responders, business owners, and agency representatives beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the Lander Library on 451 North Second St. Enroll Wyoming will participate in the forum.

-- Members of Enroll Wyoming will be tabling at the Wyoming Immunization Conference from May 9-11 at the Ramkota Hotel on 800 North Poplar St. in Casper.

-- Enroll Wyoming will be among the participants at the eighth annual Community Baby Shower hosted by Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming. The event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 13, at the Mercer Family Resource Center on 1701 East K St. in Casper.

As a statewide nonprofit, Enroll Wyoming works with many partners in dozens of communities around the Equality State.

Click here or the graphic below to see flyers for upcoming events, details about important campaigns, community resources, and ways to make our state better and brighter.