CHEYENNE—Feb. 25, 2022—The Wyoming Senate on Friday failed to adopt an amendment authorizing Gov. Mark Gordon to embark on Medicaid expansion negotiations with the federal government. R.J. Ours, the government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), released the following statement in reaction:
"While this is a disappointing setback, it’s not a defeat. This year’s budget process provided rich opportunities to emphasize the need for Medicaid expansion in Wyoming as well as the potential windfall of federal funds that would accompany it. We are deeply grateful to Senator Case, Representative Harshman, Representative Sweeney and many others who championed this issue and its impacts on Wyomingites, including those facing cancer diagnosis and treatment. Everyone deserves a fair and equitable chance to fight cancer and where you live shouldn’t determine whether you live. It’s long overdue for Wyoming to increase access to Medicaid for nearly 24,000 hardworking, lower-income resident and families.
"As demonstrated by today’s impassioned debate, lack of movement on Medicaid expansion this year clearly does not indicate a lack of continued bi-partisan interest in this topic, and we look forward to working with our partners to resume this important work during the 2023 legislative session.
"Increasing access to Medicaid is a proven public health policy that saves lives, as well as saves health care and taxpayer dollars – and it’s also incredibly popular with Wyoming voters. In fact, a poll released last year by ACS CAN, American Heart Association, AARP and the American Lung Association found that nearly two-thirds of Wyoming voters across political spectrums support Medicaid expansion. Additionally, 65% of voters in in the state say they want their state legislator to support Medicaid expansion.
"The benefits of Medicaid expansion are clear and residents in the state support this lifesaving policy. It’s time for Wyoming to finally close the coverage gap. No one should suffer a day without the health care coverage they need and deserve."
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.