On February 1, 2021, the Wyoming Department of Health released updated enrollment and cost projects for Medicaid Expansion in Wyoming. The full report is available online right here.
Medicaid is a joint Federal-State social insurance program that pays for the medical care and long-term care of low-income and medically-needy individuals and families.
If Wyoming were to expand Medicaid to non-disabled childless adults under 138% of the Federal Poverty Level, it would cost the state approximately $10M a year which would be matched by $72M annually in Federal Funds.
WDH anticipates approximately 24,000 new Medicaid enrollees by the end of the first biennium.
- Nearly half of those Wyomingites will have incomes in the insurance coverage gap
- 64% will have previously been uninsured
- More than 60% will be employed but without health insurance or enough money to purchase health insurance.
The estimated impacts of Medicaid expansion on newly-enrolled members include:
- Decreased mortality for uninsured individuals between 45 and 64
- Increased healthcare utilization
- Improved mental health
- Increased financial stability.
This is an important reminder of what’s at stake when we talk about expanding the Medicaid health insurance program in Wyoming. In the midst of a deadly pandemic, working people who don’t have access to health insurance would be able to get coverage and care.
