CHEYENNE — Wyoming residents who get health coverage through the health insurance marketplace should expect differences when enrolling, including cost increases and a smaller staff at a nonprofit that provides free assistance with health coverage challenges, according to a release.

More than 46,000 people in Wyoming enrolled in 2025 health plans through the marketplace, which exists to make coverage more affordable and accessible. Since 2013, the nonprofit Enroll Wyoming has offered free help to those looking to find, understand, and sign up for health coverage. However, at the end of August, the nonprofit’s annual funding was cut by about 90% to about $150,000 a year. 

Enroll Wyoming stresses that it will still be around to educate and empower consumers. It has weathered similar budget changes in the past and is adapting to continue its mission to inform and enroll Wyoming families. 

Once it transitions from a staff of 10 to one full-time and one part-time employee, the nonprofit will have an increased emphasis on online and phone communication. At the same time, Enroll Wyoming is building a statewide network of partners to provide more referral support. Groups interested in being a part of this network can contact enrollwyo@crmcwy.org.

Enroll Wyoming is already looking ahead to the next open enrollment season when most people sign up for marketplace coverage, which runs Nov. 1, 2025, to Jan. 15, 2026. As part of its public education efforts, it warns consumers to expect insurance costs to rise next year. Though the official 2026 rates for Wyoming marketplace users have not been set, providers have submitted proposals. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming is seeking a 20.68% rate increase and UnitedHealthcare is requesting a 29.13% increase. 

In addition, Mountain Health Co-Op announced it is no longer offering health coverage in Wyoming. Current health plans will continue through Dec. 31. Those with discontinued plans will need to pick a new plan and provider for 2026. 

Enroll Wyoming wants people to remember they do not have to navigate health coverage issues alone. For free help from experts, contact an Enroll Wyoming navigator by visiting EnrollWyo.org or calling 211. 

This program is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1.5 million with 100% funded by CMS/HHS.