Medicaid expansion

The House voted 40-16 against the proposal to expand Medicaid and include those making 138% of the federal poverty line, or about $36,000 a year.

The Wyoming Department of Health estimates Medicaid expansion would provide health care coverage to an additional 19,000 Wyomingites.

An estimated 19,000 residents would be covered initially if Medicaid expansion were approved.

Among the recommendations of the report is Medicaid expansion, in order to improve access to mental health and addiction treatment programs.

While the House declined Medicaid expansion, the Senate approved a bill to once again study expansion.

Legislative staff estimate about 3,200 people currently enrolled in Medicaid could be subject to the bill's requirements.

The legislation also includes work requirements.

Medicaid expansion also has been in the spotlight in the Florida, Kansas and Wisconsin governor's races.

Scott lead much of the opposition to Gov. Matt Mead's proposal to expand Medicaid to offer health insurance to about 20,000 Wyoming citizens.

Cheyenne Democratic Senator Floyd Esquibel says he's hopeful the Legislature will expand Medicaid when it meets next year.