![Wyoming Committee Advances Medicaid Expansion Bill](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2017/04/110699253.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Wyoming Committee Advances Medicaid Expansion Bill
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A legislative committee has advanced a bill that allows Gov. Mark Gordon to explore expanding the Medicaid program in Wyoming.
The lawmakers on the Joint Revenue Committee voted 8 to 5 Tuesday to move the bill forward to the full Legislature, which meets next February.
Under the proposed bill, the governor must first direct the departments of health and insurance to explore options for expanding Medicaid eligibility.
If expansion is recommended, the Legislature would have to give its approval, convening a special session if necessary.
Gordon has not supported Medicaid expansion in the past because of the costs to the state, but he says he recognizes the challenges residents face in being able to afford health care.
An estimated 19,000 residents would be covered initially if Medicaid expansion were approved.
More From Wake Up Wyoming
![Some Wyoming Hospitals At Risk Of Closing](http://townsquare.media/site/961/files/2024/02/attachment-RS46399_GettyImages-1316203810-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![“Study” Tries To Claim Wyoming Children Near Bottom On Healthcare](http://townsquare.media/site/961/files/2023/06/attachment-RS29352_sick-child-istock-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Wyoming Health Department Warns of Medicaid Scam Claiming Coverage Could Be Cancelled](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2022/12/attachment-Untitled-design-551.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![73 Patients Evacuated From Cheyenne Health Facility, 27 Remain](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2023/03/attachment-evacuation.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gov. Gordon Signs Law Making Wyoming First State to Ban Abortion Pills](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2022/10/attachment-governor-mark-gordon-2022.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Wyoming Legislature Pass Several Bills that Affect Wildlife and Hunting](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2023/03/attachment-Untitled-design-67.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Governor Gordon Signs First Bills of Legislative Session Including a Bill to Bolster Wyoming’s Fight to Protect Coal Industry](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2023/02/attachment-bill.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Hilarious Story Of Why This Wyoming Politician’s Photo Has A HOLE!](http://townsquare.media/site/961/files/2023/02/attachment-Ripped-portrate-wyoming-house-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Proposals On Medicaid, Electric Cars, Border Wall Die In Wyoming Legislature](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2023/02/resize-2020-02-11T103505.238.png?w=980&q=75)