What's in our June edition? |
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-- Introduction: We are here to help everyone.
-- End of emergency declarations may mean end of health coverage
-- 211 special report: Shortage of food and basic needs donations impacting many assistance organizations statewide
-- Buzzy Bee Fact: Did you know the impact of teamwork?
-- Celebrating Pride
-- Ribbon-cutting: Happy to help our neighbors
-- Know your Navigators: Jason and Nancy
-- Expanding Enroll Wyoming: Want to join our team?
-- Contact us: Connect with the health coverage experts
-- Poll: Where do you want to see Enroll Wyoming?
-- Enroll Wyoming calendar
-- Support our partners: Links include a parenting forum, local benefits, a film festival, job postings, and health screenings.
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Introduction: We are here to help everyone |
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At Enroll Wyoming, our goal is to help every person who comes to us for help. When we know there is a need, we will try to meet it. The act of reaching out to Enroll Wyoming is the only requirement needed to work with us. No other attribute has to be established or box checked for us to offer our free services to explore health coverage options.
Our Navigators ask for additional information as this is necessary in a personalized consultation to gauge which programs or resources are a good fit, but by this point we are already committed to meeting needs in any way we can.
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The fundamental thing is to empower everyone with information and guidance. There are no exceptions to that calling. It is official policy that Enroll Wyoming "does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, religion, political belief, disability, or veteran status."
During Pride Month, as with every month of the year, we are focused on offering a hand to those who are reaching out. We can do more together than as individuals, and by continuing to build off referrals and partnerships, we are excited about what our efforts will create.
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End of emergency declarations
may mean end of health coverage
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A clock is counting down. Many people who have relied on expanded relief programs are expected to lose this vital support in the coming months. Alternative assistance is available, but it will require extra efforts to retain health coverage.
A national medical emergency was declared in relation to the coronavirus pandemic in January 2020. As part of relief efforts to extend more help to Americans, more people were allowed to enroll in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), states were unable to roll back eligibility or raise premiums, and enrollees were to receive continuous coverage through the end of the medical emergency.
The federal emergency declaration is set to end on July 15. Though it has been extended multiple times since it was first established, federal officials such as Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra have warned that the declaration may end next month. Wyoming's statewide public health emergency previously came to an end in March.
Whenever the national emergency ends, states will start reviewing individuals to see if they qualify to remain in the programs. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that enrollment has grown by 25 percent to more than 110 million people since January 2020, and of that number 5.3 million to 14.2 million people could lose their coverage under new renewal requirements.
In Wyoming, people can apply for or renew Medicaid and CHIP coverage here.
Options remain for those who lose their health coverage. Losing health insurance qualifies individuals and families for special enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace.
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Check if you qualify for special enrollment here.
To learn more, scan the QR code to the right, call 2-1-1, or reach out to an Enroll Wyoming Navigator.
NAVIGATOR CONTACT INFORMATION LISTED BELOW
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Shortage of food and basic needs
donations impacting many assistance organizations statewide
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By Karis Rowley
Wyoming 211 Program Associate
A troubled economy, the volatile stock market, the impact of Russia's attacks on Ukraine, and continuing uncertainty regarding COVID-19 have contributed to an environment in which charitable donations of food, clothing, hygiene items and other basic needs to many of Wyoming's assistance organizations have decreased considerably, causing concern that many individuals and families may have difficulty locating their next meal.
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Adding to the problem for Wyoming's low-income households is the fact that the end of the Wyoming State COVID-19 Emergency Declaration on March 14, 2022, also meant the end of Emergency Allotments to those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Those benefits are ending at a time when basic food and hygiene items are much more expensive than they were before the pandemic, leaving Wyoming's most economically vulnerable individuals struggling to pay 2022 prices on a 2019 budget.
While not every food pantry surveyed for this article was experiencing shortages, the majority who responded stated that they were seeing shortages and were struggling with demand. Food pantries affiliated with religious organizations seemed to be receiving a more stable level of donations than those who aren’t, “but as you well know that could change very quickly” one provider not experiencing shortage responded.
The special report continues here.
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Buzzy Bee Fact: Did you
know the impact of teamwork?
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Almost 90 percent of wild plants and 75 percent of leading global crops depend on animal pollination, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Teamwork and cooperation play a vital part in communities surviving and thriving. The cumulative effort of multiple parties working together is what makes a difference.
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In the same way, Enroll Wyoming depends on others sharing the word about our free services. We love it when people share items from our newsletter, ask Navigators to make local presentations, dial 211 to learn more, engage with us on social media, or make personal referrals.
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Pride Month is the annual celebration of
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.
As an article in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle recently noted, Pride means something different to each Wyoming community. Commemorations of Pride Month around the Equality State take on different appearances based on local turnout and support.
The celebrations provide an opportunity to celebrate the culture and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, discuss the ongoing push to protect their rights, and note their concerns.
For example, LGBTQ+ people are less likely to have health insurance, which places them at increased risks for medical complications. Mental health challenges also weigh heavily when they experience social isolation, discrimination, prejudice, and community and familial rejection. Experiencing these pressures also raises the risk of suicide and substance use.
A willingness to offer support, assistance, and other forms of basic decency are needed to improve the outlook of those who feel alone and isolated. This can be done by being willing to listen, seeking to understand, and attending Pride events like parades, festivals and concerts.
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Happy to help our neighbors |
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Thank you for the warm welcome as we continue to bring free, personalized assistance to individuals and families who need health insurance in Wyoming.
Look for future ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, June 14, Sublette County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, June 23, and the Green River Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 24.
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Know your Navigators: Jason and Nancy |
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We asked members of our staff to answer questions to help our partners learn a little more about our work and the team behind Enroll Wyoming. |
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Project Manager Jason Mincer
-- How did you get involved with Enroll Wyoming?
"Almost two years ago, I started as a contract navigator for Enroll Wyoming, leading a group of other contract Navigators. We were funded with Covid relief dollars to boost the work Enroll Wyoming was already doing. In September I was named the program director."
-- What do you love about your job?
"I feel strongly that everyone should have access to quality and affordable health care. Enroll Wyoming’s work to find individuals in Wyoming solutions to their health care needs that fit their individual situations, literally saves the lives of the people we work with. I am honored to do this work with a team that is equally passionate about helping people. Lastly, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, our lead agency, and particularly Amy Speaker are so supportive of the work we do and helping us succeed."
-- What are some of your hobbies and interests?
"I am fortunate to have grown up in a family who did so many outdoor activities and still do lots of these, today. My summer favorites are captaining my whitewater raft on rivers in Colorado and Wyoming and touring the surrounding states on my motorcycle."
-- What is your signature creation?
"I make really good chili and beef barley soup. I have a smoker and like to try smoking different meats, too."
-- What are your favorite places/attractions to visit in Wyoming?
"My hidden gems include the Buffalo Jump Steakhouse in Beulah, the Meeteetse Chocolatier, the entire Story, Wyoming, area and Crooked Creak Guest Ranch in Dubois. Closer to home a motorcycle ride on Horsecreek road outside of Cheyenne is an amazing way to clear your head.
-- If you had to get a barcode tattoo, what would it link to?
"A yet-to-be-written travel blog of places I have gone and photographs I have taken while in those destinations. It would likely be so much easier to do this as an Instagram page 😊."
-- What question would you like to add to the next interview?
"What is your favorite (Enroll Wyoming) success story?"
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Navigator Nancy Drummond
-- What do you do at Enroll Wyoming?
"I am a Navigator for the (Health Insurance) Marketplace, Medicare and Medicaid."
-- How did you get involved with Enroll Wyoming?
"I have worked with WSHIIP (Wyoming Senior Health Insurance Information Program) since 1995 and one of the other Navigators (Cynthia Nunley) asked if I might be interested in doing the Marketplace. It fit in well with what I already was doing, so I said yes and got hired!"
-- What do you love about your job?
"I like helping others and being involved in my community, so this fits the bill completely."
-- What are some of your hobbies and interests?
"I am loving this time of year because I love to garden and when it gets too hot to be outside I come in and do one of my other passions which is sewing. I am a seamstress in my spare time :)."
-- What is your signature creation?
My signature creations would be making clothing from scratch. People will bring me items and pictures and I make it."
-- What are your favorite places/attractions to visit in Wyoming?
"My favorite place in Wyoming is the Big Horn Mountains, of course."
-- If you had to get a barcode tattoo, what would it link to?
"A link of positivity."
-- What question would you like to add to the next interview?
"Why do you like helping people and do you feel they have a responsibility to take care of something themselves?"
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Enroll Wyoming is hiring
Health Insurance Navigators
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Do you like helping people?
Want a rewarding job where you make a positive impact on a one-on-one and community basis?
Enroll Wyoming is looking to hire two full-time insurance marketplace Navigators to help families and individuals find quality, affordable health insurance. One will be based in Cheyenne and one in Casper.
To learn more about the position, visit this website.
Give us a shot. It will be awesome.
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Connect with the health coverage experts |
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Enroll Wyoming is a grant-funded program that educates individuals and families about their health insurance options. Even though our base of operations is in Cheyenne, Navigators are located throughout the Equality State. Enroll Wyoming cares about our Wyoming neighbors' health care needs and wants to make sure that everyone can obtain a plan that is not only affordable but will meet their personal needs.
Let us know if your organization wants more information or would like to schedule a presentation or visit. Navigators are available in person, over the phone, or Zoom. We accommodate all stakeholders to the best of our ability. Those in need of health insurance can call and set up an appointment. Translation services are available.
PROJECT DIRECTOR
REGION 1
Campbell, Cook, Johnson, Sheridan, and Weston
REGION 2
Converse, Natrona, and Niobrara
REGION 3
Albany, Goshen, Laramie, and Platte
Lead Navigator
REGION 4
Carbon, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, Teton, and Uinta
REGION 5
Bighorn, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie
REGION 6
Wind River Reservation and Fremont
MARKETING
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Enroll Wyoming does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, religion, political belief, disability, or veteran status. This correspondence is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,248,619 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement by CMS/HHS or the U.S. government.
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Poll: Where do you want to see Enroll Wyoming? |
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Enroll Wyoming Navigators are filling the summer calendar with events to promote health insurance awareness and understanding.
Please let us know if there are events you think we should attend or if you would like to invite Enroll Wyoming to give a presentation to your group.
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What events should Enroll Wyoming attend?
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Chamber of commerce events
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Other - Email us your suggestion
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Calendar of Enroll Wyoming events |
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Upcoming events include:
-- The Powell Workforce Center will host Enroll Wyoming on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Northwest College in the Frisby Building at 599 North Cheyenne Street in Powell.
-- There will be a ribbon-cutting for Enroll Wyoming hosted by the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce at noon Tuesday, June 14, at 1897 Dewar Drive.
-- Enroll Wyoming will have a table and breakout session at the Wyoming Developmental Disabilities Conference in Casper from June 22-24.
-- Enroll Wyoming will participate in a Juneteenth celebration sponsored by the Cheyenne NAACP in Martin Luther King Park staring at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 18.
-- Pride in the Park sponsored by Wyoming Equality will be in Holiday Park on Saturday, June 18. Enroll Wyoming will participate starting at 3 p.m.
-- The Sublette County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at 19 E. Pine Street.
-- The Green River Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting
at 3 p.m. Friday, June 24, at 1155 West Flaming Gorge Way.
-- As part of Superday celebrations in Cheyenne, Enroll Wyoming will have a table.
-- Enroll Wyoming will be available to answer questions at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, at the Laramie Downtown Clinic at 611 South Second Street.
-- The Cheyenne Job Fair will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, at the Department of Workforce Services Office on 5221 Yellowstone Road. Enroll Wyoming will participate.
-- The Platte County Public Library is partnering with Enroll Wyoming for an event starting at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at 904 Ninth St. in Wheatland.
-- Starting July 12 Enroll Wyoming will have a booth at the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo.
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Links from our partner organizations |
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Do you like to network?
Looking for an event that you may want to attend?
Click on the links to learn about the events in your community.
PLEASE SUPPORT
OUR PARTNERS!
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Dial 2-1-1 or
1-888-235-7138
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