Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead’s administration is officially recommending that the state expand Medicaid under Obamacare, making the Republican governor the latest conservative to embrace a key pillar of the health care reform law.
The state department of health released a modified plan to expand the low-income insurance plan, the Casper Star-Tribune reported, which pulls from the alternative expansion plans pursued by some other states.
“I believe it is the most favorable plan for Wyoming and it addresses the needs of those who fall in the gap,” Mead said in announcing the plan. “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.”
Mead’s administration has been negotiating with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services since July. It must also be approved by the state legislature.
Under the proposal, Medicaid enrollees would have small co-payments and those above the poverty line would have monthly premiums. They would also be given access to state job assistance programs.
