Overview

Wyoming was one of the first states to permit out-of-state regulated insurers to sell insurance products domestically to increase competition and decrease the cost to enter the market. Wyoming also requires studies of high hospital costs in the state, loss of medical services, and the use of out-of-state providers. While this statutory-mandated study is not yet complete, Wyoming Hospital Association attempts to compensate by offering an online price disclosure database for its hospitals. A coalition of Wyoming employers is also interested in obtaining charge data across all insured in order to better negotiate rates directly with providers. Additionally, the state adopted a resolution in support of promoting health care billing transparency, health savings accounts, and more.

In market consolidation oversight, Wyoming requires notification of nonprofit hospital mergers to the Attorney General.  Additionally, the state requires approval of general nonprofit corporation mergers, as well as court approval of nonprofit hospitals mergers.

For 2024, Wyoming passed two pieces of key healthcare legislation. HB14 requires health insurers and contracted utilization review entities to follow prior authorization regulations, and includes transparency requirements, minimum qualifications for who can make adverse determinations, and provider exemptions from prior authorization requirements. The state also passed SF100, requiring swift payment of clean claims made by pharmacies.

See below for an overview of existing Wyoming state mandates. Click on citation tab for detailed information of specific statutes (click link to download statute text).

State Action

Additional Resources

STATE BUDGET

Wyoming has a biennial budget cycle that begins in July.  State agencies submit their budget requests in August.  Agency hearings are held September through November.  The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Wyoming State Legislature by the third Monday in November.   The Wyoming State Legislature adopts a budget in March. A simple majority is required to pass a budget.

STATE LEGISLATURE

The Legislature meets in a General Session in odd numbered years, beginning on the second Tuesday of January. The General Session is limited to 40 legislative days. In even numbered years, the Legislature convenes in a Budget Session beginning on the second Monday of February, which typically lasts 20 legislative days.  There are 31 members of the State Senate, 62 members of the House of Representatives.  Senators serve four year terms, Representatives serve for two.  Legislation carries over from odd numbered years to even.

KEY RESOURCES

News & Articles