Wyoming considers expanding health insurance coverage

Associated Press



CHEYENNE -- Thousands of Wyoming residents who currently have no health insurance could be covered under a proposal now before a legislative committee.



The Joint Interim Committee on Labor, Health and Social Services on Monday will consider expanding the state's current health insurance program for children to cover their parents and guardians as well.



Committee Co-chairman Rep. Doug Osborn, R-Buffalo, says expanding the program would cost the state $1.65 million over the next two years. In addition, he said another $3.35 million in federal funds would be required.



About 4,700 children are now enrolled in the health insurance program, called KidCare. The program has a combined state and federal budget of $26 million over two years.



Osborn said expanding the program would be limited to 3,700 adults who meet income guidelines.



Sen. Mike Massie, D-Laramie, led the crafting of the bill. He said that in order to be eligible, parents also would have to be employed and their employers would have to contribute to the cost of the insurance coverage.



Massie said there are more than 70,000 people in Wyoming with no health insurance.



Sen. Charles Scott, R-Casper, a committee co-chairman, said he wants more information about short-term and long-term expenses before he takes a position on the bill. He noted that health care costs are rising between 7- to 10 percent a year.



Scott said the bill is "a move down the road to state health care coverage."