Important Update for our Clients and Wyoming Residents
The Wyoming Department of Health Behavioral Health Division is implementing a new payment reform starting July 1, 2024, which may affect billing rates and eligibility for services. We’ve created a dedicated section here to guide you through these changes, including detailed resources, timelines, and how to get further assistance. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Here’s what we know thus far and what you need to know:
What’s Changing?
Starting July 1, 2024, the State will only fund treatment for BHC clients who meet one of the following criteria:
- Household Income at or Below 200% of FPL: Clients whose household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and who do not have public or private health insurance.
- Priority Populations: Clients who fall into “priority populations” categories established by State law (W.S. 35-1-613 et. seq – See FAQ for current categories).
These changes do not affect:
- Services provided from now until the end of June 2024.
- Medicaid or private insurance payments.
- The ability of BHCs to treat you as a private-pay client if you do not meet the new criteria after July 1, 2024.
Immediate Actions Required
- Eligibility Screenings: Starting February 1, 2024, every client wishing to receive State-paid services must undergo eligibility screening. This involves completing a Wyoming Medicaid application.
- Notification: After submitting your application, you will be notified within 45 days about your eligibility for Medicaid or income eligibility for the State BHC benefit.
Additional Considerations
- Income and Priority Populations: Income is just one component of eligibility. You may still qualify for services under the priority population categories, which may require a behavioral health assessment by the BHC. This assessment will be provided free of charge.
- Legislation: Proposed legislation (House Bill 0005) during the 2024 Wyoming Legislative Budget Session could allow residents with insurance to qualify based on income until 2026.
Stay Informed
It’s crucial to stay informed about these changes to ensure you receive the behavioral health services you need. We encourage you to complete the necessary eligibility screenings promptly. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your local clinic with questions or swing by to visit in person!
Updated as of April 15, 2024
Contact us at HealthcareReformWY@voanr.org or 1.866.438.2862
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
For further details about these changes and how they may affect you, please visit the Wyoming Department of Health’s website at www.health.wyo.gov, or contact them directly at-
Phone: (307) 777-7656 or 1-866-571-0944
Fax: (307) 777-7439
Payment reform is a change in how state-funded behavioral health services are allocated and received. This reform means that the state will only fund treatment for clients of Behavioral Health Centers (BHC) who either have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and do not have public or private health insurance, or fall into specific “priority populations” as defined by state law.
The payment reform is scheduled to start on July 1, 2024.
Eligibility for state-funded services is limited to individuals whose household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and who do not have any form of health insurance, or those who are part of designated priority populations.
-State level justice-involved individuals
-Non-state level justice-involved individuals
-Families at high risk
-Adults with acute mental illness
-Adults with severe mental illness
-Indigent clients with high needs
-Indigent general access clients
Starting February 1, 2024, every client wishing to receive state-paid services must undergo eligibility screening, which includes completing a Wyoming Medicaid application. You will be notified of your eligibility status within 45 days of application submission.
If you currently benefit from the SFS, you will need to apply for the Wyoming Enrollment System (WES), and you will be screened to see if you fall into the State’s priority populations. This is how state payments for services will be managed post-reform.
Yes, you can still receive services as a private-pay client, but you will be responsible for the full fee without any reduced rates.
If you already have Medicaid, you do not need to reapply but will still need to be screened for priority populations to ensure you receive any additional support for behavioral health services.