Wyoming has unveiled a proposal to expand Medicaid coverage to nearly 18,000 residents, the latest red state to accept a key provision of Obamacare.
Republican Gov. Matt Mead has endorsed the plan. “I believe it is the most favorable plan for Wyoming and it addresses the needs of those who fall in the gap,” he said in a Wednesday release, according to the Casper Star Tribune. “If the Legislature chooses not to authorize Medicaid expansion — I would ask and expect them to have an alternative for the 17,000 people who do not have coverage in Wyoming.”
The state’s Department of Health released a report Wednesday saying their plan to use a modified form of private insurance plans would provide insurance to about 18,000 residents and bring in more than $100 million a year in federal funding. The plan will feature co-pays for everyone, with those on the higher end of the income scale paying monthly premiums.
RELATED: Is the Republican fight against Medicaid expansion over?
“It would promote participants to take an active role in their own health,” said the director of the Wyoming Department of Health. “Participants will have a financial responsibility to be part of this plan.”
Wyoming’s legislature must approve the proposal, which will be delivered to the lawmakers in mid-December.
An earlier version failed to pass in February, but state legislators did allow negotiations with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
