Mead Seeks $13.5M to Care for Wyoming's Aging Population

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead's supplemental request for the second half of the state's biennium budget includes $13.5 million to care for the senior population, reports the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle . About $2.5 million is being asked for increased enrollment in nursing communities, which is being matched by an equal sum in federal funds. Another $5.72 million is being requested for boosts in Medicare costs related to both inpatient and outpatient medical treatments. "The demographics of the state are changing quickly, and these changes will continue to impact the budget over the next few decades," noted Department of Health Director Tom Forslund. "It's simply a matter of demographics. The state is getting older." Forslund said as baby boomers age, Wyoming will need more money for their care, with a projected $17 million in additional funding for his department with each biennium budget cycle. Wyoming's long-term annual Medicaid costs are forecast to climb from about $130 million now to $312 million by 2030, with half of that amount to be covered by the state.