Wyoming Committee Postpones Medicaid Expansion Vote

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming legislative committee plans to vote today on whether to endorse expansion of the Medicaid program in the state.

Several witnesses told the Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee yesterday in Cheyenne that they can't afford health insurance on the open market. They urged state lawmakers to accept federal money to expand the program.

Committee Co-Chairwoman Rep. Elaine Harvey, a Lovell Republican, said yesterday evening the committee would vote today whether to endorse any form of Medicaid expansion.

Gov. Matt Mead has warned he doesn't trust federal promises to cover expanded costs in years to come. He has urged lawmakers not to expand the program.

The Wyoming Department of Health estimates expanding Medicaid would save the state money by reducing demand on other programs.