Healthcare

This bill updates Wyoming's Medicaid eligibility rules by codifying current state criteria into law. It directly affects individuals applying for Wyoming Medicaid, requiring applicants to be U.S. citizens or lawfully present, Wyoming residents, and meet one of several specific criteria (such as disability, supplemental security income eligibility, hospice care, or tuberculosis infection). The bill prevents Medicaid expansion beyond current eligibility levels as of July 1, 2026, without legislative approval. The Department of Health must finalize implementing rules by October 1, 2026, and the new rules apply to applications submitted or renewed on or after July 1, 2027.

This bill allows Wyoming's county memorial hospitals and hospital districts to file for bankruptcy under a process designed for local governments (Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code) to address debt challenges without dissolving the hospital. County memorial hospitals must get approval from the county commissioners before filing, while hospital districts must publicly post their bankruptcy plan for seven days and hold a public meeting before trustees vote. Hospital districts no longer require a vote of the public to initiate bankruptcy proceedings. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026.

HB 4 would add birthing center services to Wyoming's Medicaid program, allowing Medicaid to cover care provided by qualifying birthing centers. This directly affects Medicaid recipients who use birthing centers and the centers themselves, which must meet state definitions under existing law. The bill amends the Medicaid coverage list to include these services, effective July 1, 2026. This change expands access to Medicaid-covered birth services beyond traditional hospitals.