Federal COVID-19 relief funds have and will continue to provide critical help to Wyoming’s budget and people
THE BASICS
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which Congress passed last year, has brought millions of dollars to Wyoming during the economic crisis to make sure our families can get healthcare when they need it most.
- Over a 24-month period, the FFCRA Medicaid provisions will bring $180 million into Wyoming, shoring up our budget and protecting families’ health care. This money comes from an increased federal contribution to Medicaid spending during the “public health emergency.”
- This federal money has helped thousands of Wyoming families keep health coverage when they need it most. FFCRA included a commonsense provision that Wyoming can’t take away Medicaid coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic—a small price to pay for the huge amount of money coming into the state.
- FFCRA has also reduced administrative burdens for Wyoming state government. FFCRA’s commonsense provisions have meant that Wyoming can focus on meeting the needs of our families and plugging holes in our budget instead of bureaucracy.
WHAT’S NEXT
- This week, Congress passed new legislation that would offer Wyoming even more budget support, if we update our Medicaid program. The new American Rescue Act includes funding that would bring Wyoming an additional $120 million over the course of two years. This funding is available if Wyoming extends Medicaid coverage to low income residents, and would not require any additional spending by the state.
THE BOTTOM LINE
- Federal FFCRA funding has been critical for Wyoming’s budget and healthcare over the past year. We have the opportunity to bring even more revenue to the state if we update our Medicaid program. Contact your Senator & Representatives today.
