HJ0008 • 2021

Medicaid coverage-eligible low income adults.

A JOINT RESOLUTION to expand Medicaid coverage to eligible low income adults.

Healthcare

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Representative Sweeney
Last action: 2021-03-08
Official status: inactive
Effective date: 3/1/2021

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on how many people would be eligible under this amendment, leaving it uncertain.

Medicaid coverage-eligible low income adults

This resolution proposes to amend the Wyoming Constitution to require the state to provide Medicaid benefits to eligible low-income adults whose income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, consistent with applicable federal law as of January 1, 2021.

What This Bill Does

Proposes an amendment to the Wyoming Constitution to expand Medicaid coverage for eligible low-income adults.
Requires the state to cover Medicaid benefits up to 138% of the federal poverty level, consistent with applicable federal law as of January 1, 2021.

Who It Names or Affects

Low-income adults who meet eligibility requirements based on income and other non-financial factors.

Terms To Know

Medicaid: A federal program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.
Federal Poverty Level (FPL): The level of income set by the U.S. government to determine eligibility for certain programs, including Medicaid.

Limits and Unknowns

This resolution did not pass in its session and was not considered for introduction.
It is unclear how many people would be eligible under this amendment if it were passed.

Bill History

2021-03-08 House
H Did Not Consider for Introduction
2021-03-08 House
H Did not Consider for Introduction
2021-03-04 House
H Received for Introduction
2021-03-02 LSO
Bill Number Assigned

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

21LSO-0641
2021
STATE OF WYOMING
21LSO-0641
Numbered
2.0

House Joint Resolution NO. HJ0008

Medicaid coverage-eligible low income adults.

Sponsored by: Representative(s) Sweeney, Clifford, Connolly, Harshman, Henderson, Yin and Zwonitzer and Senator(s) Furphy, Gierau and Rothfuss

A JOINT RESOLUTION

for

A JOINT RESOLUTION to expand Medicaid coverage to eligible low income adults.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING,
two-thirds of all the members of the two houses, voting separately, concurring therein:

Section 1.

The following proposal to amend Wyoming Constitution, Article 1, Section 38 by creating a new subsection (e) is proposed for submission to the electors of the State of Wyoming at the next general election for approval or rejection to become valid as a part of the Constitution if ratified by a majority of the electors at the election:

Article 1, Section 38.

Right of health care access.

(e)

Consistent with applicable federal law in place on the first day of January, 2021, the state shall provide Medicaid benefits to low income residents of the state whose income is at or below one hundred thirty-eight percent (138%) of the federal poverty level. The legislature may by general law restrict the state from providing Medicaid benefits that exceed those that were in place on the date prescribed in this subsection should applicable federal law change after that date in a manner that expands eligibility for Medicaid benefits or otherwise increases the financial obligation of the state under the Medicaid program.

Section 2.

That the Secretary of State shall endorse the following statement on the proposed amendment:

This amendment to the Wyoming Constitution would require the state to take steps necessary to provide Medicaid benefits to low income residents whose income is at or below one hundred

thirty-eight percent (138%) of the federal poverty level and who meet other nonfinancial eligibility requirements for Medicaid participation. The state would not be required to provide Medicaid benefits or expend additional
funds beyond those benefits or expenditures existing on January 1, 2023.

(END)

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