Governor Mead Opposes Medicaid Expansion

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead is recommending that the Wyoming Legislature not expand Medicaid coverage to include about 16,000 low-income adults who lack health insurance.

Mead, a Republican, said Friday he has concerns about implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act.

The federal government has had to postpone elements of the law in recent weeks. There have been problems with the Internet registration site for approved insurance programs and federal assistance.

The Wyoming Legislature earlier this year rejected roughly $50 million in federal funds to extend Medicaid health care coverage. Continuing to declining the expansion would cost the state more in coming years.

Sen. Chris Rothfuss, a Democrat from Laramie, is minority floor leader in the Wyoming Senate. He says he's hopeful the Legislature can reach a compromise to expand the program.