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2006 Budget Session
SF 58 extended assistance with health insurance to parents of children who are enrolled in the state's child health insurance program (Kid Care CHIP) or medical assistance program (Medicaid). Parents of such children will now be able to receive health insurance under the Kid Care insurance program, or they may receive financial assistance from the state to help them pay for premiums for health insurance offered by their employers.
To be eligible for this assistance, at least one of the parents or guardians in the household must be employed. Either the employer or the parents must pay for at least one-half of the monthly premiums of the health insurance plan selected by the parent or guardian. If parents chose insurance coverage under their employer's plan, the total amount of funding provided by the state could not exceed the cost that the state would pay for the same coverage under the Kid Care program, less the employer's contribution.
The number of parents or guardians permitted to enroll in the program would be capped at 3,720 for the 2007-2008 biennium.
SF 58 appropriated $1.13 from the general fund and $2.26 in federal funds to help pay for premiums for up to 3,720 parents and guardians for the coming biennium, plus $165,000 in general funds and $335,000 in federal funds to administer the program.
Supporters pointed out that assisting low-income adults get adequate health insurance is better in the long run for the parents, children, employers, and Wyoming taxpayers. Supporters noted that extending health insurance coverage to these parents should significantly reduce uncompensated health care provided by hospitals and clinics. Supporters included the Wyoming Hospital Association, the Wyoming Medical Association, the American Association of Retired Persons, Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Company, and the Equality State Policy Center.
There was no vocal opposition to the bill.
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed the bill, but only after voting to strip all funding from it. Senators Phil Nicholas (R-S10, Laramie), Cale Case (R-S25, Lander) and John Hines (R-S23, Gillette) voted to remove the funding for the bill. Senators Rae Lynn Job (D-S12, Rock Springs) and Jim Anderson (R-S2, Glenrock) voted against removing the funding for the bill.
The full Senate restored funding at the level recommended by the Department of Health ($2.26 million federal funds and $1.13 million general funds), and then unanimously passed the bill. The House also unanimously passed SF 58.