Wyo. Pilot Program For Health Care At Crossroads

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wyoming lawmakers must decide whether to increase funding for a health care pilot program that supporters say could offer the state a cheaper alternative to Medicaid.

Casper Republican Sen. Charles Scott has championed the "Healthy Frontiers" program, which serves about 85 low-income residents, mainly in Cheyenne and Casper.

Medical care for participants emphasizes early detection and prevention of serious illnesses. The state puts $500 into a health savings account for each person to cover expenses, but caps the state's total share at $50,000 each.

Scott says he's seeking $24.3 million to expand the program up to 2,000 participants. Its current funding runs out in mid-2012.

Gov. Matt Mead isn't recommending more funding. He says costs so far have been high while participation has been low.