July 2021: Issue 7
This newsletter was developed (in part) with federal funds from the Office of Population Affairs. For more information on the rules and regulations that apply to our programs, please visit
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Wyoming Health Council contributes to health and well-being for all, where we grow, live, learn, work and play. |
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Wyoming Vs. Medicaid Expansion |
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"There are more than 2 million people across the United States who have no option when it comes to health insurance. They're in what's known as the "coverage gap" — they don't qualify for Medicaid in their state, and make too little money to be eligible for subsidized health plans on the Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges.
People needing insurance who were above the poverty line were supposed to be funneled via the federal and state insurance exchanges to private policies — with federal subsidies to help make those policies affordable.
People who were under the poverty line were to be funneled to a newly-expanded version of Medicaid — the public health insurance program that is jointly funded by states and the federal government.
Read the full article HERE
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Expansion advocates in Wyoming argued that expansion would provided medical coverage for 24,000 uninsured Wyomingites, extended financial support to the state’s ailing hospital system and brought hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to Wyoming’s cash-strapped state government.
Why is Wyoming against Medicaid Expansion? The answer sways between issues of state independence, money and outside pressures. For instance in 2020, Rep. Sue Wilson, a Cheyenne Republican and the chair of the House’s health committee, said "she was hesitant to commit to funding expansion without a set revenue stream." Opponents also mentioned high costs in expansion that other states like New York, had experienced. One being "Cassie Craven, a lobbyist for the libertarian think tank Wyoming Liberty Group, told members that expansion — counter to expert testimony — is “not a fiscally sustainable policy decision.” But she added that the state has no plan to pay for the upfront cost for the plan, that Medicaid is prone to fraud, and that Wyoming could be sued if it ever tries to “yank away someone’s government-funded healthcare” should it regret the program in the future." And still yet, Critics, including Gov. Mark Gordon, have said "the state needs a Wyoming-specific solution, though to date, none has been offered."
Read articles from March 2021 HERE and February 2020 HERE
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Wyoming Health Council has recently started attending local meetings for Better Wyoming which is working with communities around the state to encourage Wyoming legislators to support Medicaid expansion thereby providing coverage for up to 25,000 Wyoming residents not currently having any health care coverage.
Healthy Wyoming is a broad coalition that also is advocating for Medicaid Expansion in Wyoming. You can review their site at healthywyoming.org
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Do you, someone you know, or a client not have coverage through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or another source?
The Marketplace helps you find and enroll in a plan that fits your budget and needs.
Our partners at Enroll Wyoming offer free help signing up for health insurance!
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, anyone can sign up for Marketplace insurance between February 15 and August 15.
After August 15, only those with life altering events can sign up.
All you have to do is dial 211 and ask for a health insurance navigator and they will work with you to get signed up!
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International Non-Binary People's Day |
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The 14 July is International Non-binary People’s Day, which aims to celebrate the wide range of people worldwide who identify as non-binary.
So, what is Non-Binary?
Non-binary is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit comfortably with ‘man’ or ‘woman’. Non-binary identities are varied and can include people who identify with some aspects of binary identities, while others reject them entirely.
Non-binary people can feel that their gender identity and gender experience involves being both a man and a woman, or that it is fluid, in between, or completely outside of that binary.
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How Do We Support Non-Binary People?
1.) Use Pronouns when introducing yourself!
You can also use them on nametags, email signatures, or social media accounts!
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2.) Offer affirming health care:
"All members of a health care organization—front-line staff members, clinicians, and administrators—play a crucial role in offering an inclusive, affirming experience for all people, including those with non-binary gender identities. Everyone, no matter their gender identity or expression, appreciates friendly, courteous, and effective care. In addition, non-binary people, who have gender identities other than male or female, have unique needs when interacting with the health care system. Non-binary people face numerous health disparities as well as stigma, discrimination, and a lack of access to quality care. However, you do not need to specialize in non-binary health care to give your non-binary patients an affirming experience."
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You can also check out these great articles by Non-Binary Youth!
Teen Vogue
AMP by GLAAD
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Wyoming Title X Clinic of the Month |
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With it's main clinic located in Worland, Washakie Family Planning provides the clients or Worland, Greybull and Thermopolis with wonderful care! Call them today to set up your next appointment!
"Title X is an important program because it provides clients, regardless of insurance, a safe means of accessing care. It provides not only reproductive care, but also for comprehensive care for wellness to include cervical and breast cancer screenings. It can help whether a client is interested in starting a family, preventing pregnancy, or completing routine STI testing. Without this program, many people in our community would not have access to these services that keeps our community healthy."
-Dr. Hine
Washakie Family Planning
307-347-3866
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Do You Love Working in Family Planning? |
NFPRHA is interested in highlighting the many perspectives of individuals across the family planning field about what working in family planning means to them and why it’s important. Please consider asking your health center colleagues – from front desk staff to health educators to billers – to share a few words about why they enjoy working in family planning.
This is an effort to share the perspectives of those in the field beyond NFPRHA’s main points of contact, so please circulate the invitation widely across your agencies. NFPRHA would ultimately like to feature the quotes, names, and health centers publicly via its digital media properties; however, anonymous submissions are accepted, too. NFPRHA will randomly select four completed survey entries to receive a $25 e-gift card.
Ask your health center staff to share their perspectives HERE.
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WYOMING HEALTH COUNCIL
400 East First St, Suite 313
Casper, WY 82601
Call Us: (307) 439-2033
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