AARP’s work at the State Capitol

Wyoming’s 2009 General Legislative Session is now complete.  AARP staff and volunteer advocates were at the Capitol fighting for issues important to our members.

Here is a quick summary of some of the bills we followed this session.

AARP and C-WISH lobbied successfully for two bills that protect health insurance customers.  One new law prevents health insurance companies from denying a customer’s claim at their discretion.  Previously, insurance companies could refuse to pay for coverage – even if the procedure is advertised as being included in the health insurance plan.  The second new law allows people to dispute a rejected insurance claim through an independent medical review panel.  Wyoming was one of only six states that did not provide a means for customers to appeal decisions made by their health insurance company.

We were disappointed to see two important health care bills die during the session.  One would have provided coverage on a sliding-fee scale to 500 low-income Wyoming workers who can’t afford to pay for health insurance.  Another would have expanded the KidCare program to provide health insurance for an additional 3,700 low-income children at a time when more and more Wyoming families are losing access to employer-sponsored health insurance.  The expansion would have matched recent legislation passed by Congress and would have cost the state only $94,000 per year.  We hope the Legislature will reconsider these proposals next year.

AARP also supported two long-term care bills that became law.  One provides Riverton with a planning grant to pursue a Green House, an alternative form of long-term care.  Sheridan, Lovell and Jackson received similar assistance in 2007.  The other new law establishes a system to help people navigate the purchase of long-term care insurance.  The law also allows residents who fall below certain income limits to qualify for a Medicaid supplement to their private long-term care insurance plan.  Previously, low-income residents with private insurance could not receive assistance even if their insurance plan didn’t cover the cost of their long-term care.

We were pleased that the Legislature provided an additional $1.5 million to the state’s public transit system, which operates the senior transportation network, an essential part of ensuring that people have access to health care in our rural, sparsely-populated state.

More than a dozen property tax bills failed to become law during these turbulent financial times.  AARP believes property tax breaks should be based on financial need and not age alone.  We also believe that the health and longevity of the state’s overall tax base needs to be analyzed and carefully weighed when any property tax reduction or program is considered, especially when state revenues are declining. Wyoming offers sales and property tax assistance through the Tax Rebate to the Elderly and Disabled (TREAD) program and we encourage anyone who thinks they or someone they know may qualify to contact their local senior center for an application.

If you are interested in getting involved in the legislative process, we encourage you to contact us at wy@aarp.org or 1-866-663-3290.

Get a copy of Wyoming laws.