Healthcare

This Wyoming bill (SF 122) shortens deadlines for health insurers and independent review organizations to evaluate whether medical services are necessary. It reduces the insurer review period from 45 to 21 days and requires external review organizations to complete decisions within 21 days of receiving a request. The changes directly affect health insurers, patients (claimants), and independent review organizations handling coverage disputes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not alter coverage criteria, only the timing for decisions.

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.