HEALTH CARE RESEARCH
In-depth reports, policy briefs, and original analysis examining key issues facing Wyoming.
Reforming Medicaid to Serve Wyoming Better
n the past several years, Wyoming has accomplished several key changes to its Medicaid program. A series of reforms regarding long-term care, and other methods to improve care delivery and coordination, have stabilized the overall spending on Medicaid—and reduced expenditures on a per-beneficiary basis.
The Five Step Plan to Achieve National Health Care Reform
Americans know we cannot continue to operate our health care system as we do currently. The uncontrollable costs prove government-run health programs fail to deliver on their promises and that Americans suffer under a suppressed health insurance market that has limited our options.
Medical Freedom Zones
A medical freedom zone is a legally recognized geographic area where health care professionals may provide services and conduct research governed by professional associations and private contracts. Both the federal and state governments hamper doctors‘ ability to innovate in medicine and to offer more affordable or alternative care.
The Federal and State Implications of Wyoming’s Health Care Freedom Amendment
n the 2011 Legislative Session, the 61st Wyoming Legislature passed a referendum to amend the Wyoming Constitution known as the Health Care Freedom Amendment (“HCFA”). The amendment will be placed on the ballot in the 2012 general election, and if ratified will provide strong protection of individual liberty. The HCFA would codify a legal basis upon which to challenge the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”), but it is just as important for the protections it would secure from state government.
Interstate Health Insurance Compacts versus PPACA Exchanges
Last year, the Wyoming Legislature granted the insurance commissioner the power to establish interstate health insurance compacts in Enrolled Act 61. This law “recognizes the need of individuals seeking medical and surgical health insurance coverage in this state to have the opportunity to choose among competitive medical and surgical insurance plans that are affordable and flexible.” Following this year’s Legislative Session, an interim committee has been assigned the task of responding to federal regulatory initiatives, including health insurance exchanges required under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare).
