Access to Health Care

The impact ofincreasing health care costs on individuals, families and smallbusinesses means that fewer and fewer people can find or afford healthinsurance coverage.  Working with the Wyoming Healthcare Commission, Governor Freudenthal is exploring innovative ways to help cover theuninsured, while at the same time maintaining Wyoming’s rural health system and the services it provides. 

Case Study: Niobrara Health and Life Center – Lusk

Governor Freudenthal understands that a local community depends on having medical care and hospital services for the people who live there.  When the newly-opened hospital in Lusk encountered unexpected financial circumstances that threatened its ability to provide care, the Governor reviewed avenues of assistance available through the State.  He then asked the Wyoming Business Council to provide technical assistance and facilitate discussion at the community level.  When it became apparentthat some other action was needed to assure on-going health care services in Lusk, Governor Freudenthal recommended state funding to help get the hospital back on solid financial ground, to insure healthcare was available for state employees of the Department of Corrections and to provide a health care safety net for the Women’s Prison. 

Office of Rural Health