Medicaid

Clinics providing everything from free dental care to family planning services are keeping a close eye on changes to federal spending.

Special education programs, disability rights and Medicaid could all be affected by spending cuts or other policies proposed by the Trump administration.

Advocates from across the state gathered at the Wyoming State Capitol for Healthy Wyoming Day. Their goal was to push lawmakers on healthcare access and cost – Wyoming’s health insurance coverage gap was a specific focus.

After several years of working to restructure state-funded community mental health centers, the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) launched a new system on July 1st. It creates three tiers of patient categories, some of whom won't need to pay at all.

The entire nation is in a Medicaid renewal process. That means people who are on Medicaid need to re-apply. So far, over 10,000 Wyomingites have not filled out that reapplication so they are automatically being taken off Medicaid.

Since the pandemic started, the federal government stopped states from reviewing Medicaid eligibility. In order to cover potential extra costs, the feds increased federal funding. But a change in federal law means states are returning to renewal plans, which includes waiver programs.

Rural hospitals in Wyoming are a lifeline for small communities throughout the state. But staying afloat can be challenging. Some say Medicaid expansion could help with financial woes but the Wyoming legislature failed to pass it this year. So rural hospitals are finding ways to survive.

A free clinic has opened in Lander. It will help provide basic healthcare needs for the uninsured population in Fremont County.

The House Labor, Health and Social Services committee members heard hours of testimony in favor of the extension. During the pandemic, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allowed states to extend postpartum care, and Wyoming participated as well so qualifying women had complete medical coverage for a year after they gave birth. This bill would extend that care until 2027.

The average hourly wage for caretakers who take care of those with disabilities is around $14 in Wyoming. Employers are struggling with retention while the price of everything is going up. So, it’s getting hard to keep people in these jobs.