Access to health care is crucial for Wyoming’s Native communities. Understanding the ins and outs of health insurance can be daunting, but Enroll Wyoming provides free, confidential support. Certified enrollment navigators are available to assist with everything from determining eligibility to completing applications and selecting the right plan. They offer personalized help so that individuals can access the coverage they need.
“I don’t think a lot of tribal members know that they can enroll (in Marketplace Insurance) at any time,” says Cherokee Brown, “There’s more out there that we can look for, find, and benefit from.” Federally recognized tribal members can enroll in Health Insurance Marketplace plans year-round. While most people must sign up during the annual Open Enrollment Period, tribal members have more flexibility. This special enrollment period allows them to apply for coverage at any time, ensuring they can address health needs as they arise without waiting for specific enrollment windows.
This flexibility is particularly important for individuals and families who may experience certain life changes, such as moving, getting married, having a baby, adopting a child or having a foster child placed in your house, or new medical needs. The death of a family member whose insurance you were under is another qualifier for a Special Enrollment Period.
Another benefit of Marketplace coverage for Native communities is the option for zero-cost sharing plans. These plans allow qualifying individuals to receive essential medical care—such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions—without copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket cost thresholds to meet. This means that financial barriers do not stand in the way of accessing necessary care. For those living in rural or economically disadvantaged areas, where access to medical services can already be limited, zero-cost sharing removes an additional financial hurdle.
“I think health care’s just been tricky for us for a really long time,” says Rory Tendore, American Indian Student Success Coordinator at Central Wyoming College. “Having access to health care systems or to enroll effortlessly in a service that’s going to provide for our families is always helpful.”
From year-round enrollment and zero-cost sharing plans for tribal members to full qualifying health coverage essential benefits, Enroll Wyoming simplifies the process of obtaining health insurance. With free assistance available, Wyoming’s Native populations can confidently navigate their options and ensure access to essential medical care.
For more information, visit https://enrollwyo.org/native-coverage/