A survey to determine the feasibility of purchasing health care insurance for Medicaid recipients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of purchasing health care insurance for Medicaid recipients in Wyoming. Surveys were mailed to 218 employers throughout Wyoming, with 142 responding. Of the 142, 96 offered some form of group health insurance to their employees. The names of insurance carriers were taken from the 96 responses with insurance and a second survey was sent to the carriers. The number of responses was next to nil, with only 1 carrier expressing any interest in develping a program that would benefit all Medicaid recipients. From the data collected, and literature that was reviewed, the researcher determined that providing the portion of the eligible recipients (employees) group health program was not feasible. Instead, the researcher recommends that a task force be established to develop a comprehensive group health insurance program that would cover all eligible Medicaid recipients, small businesses, and family owned farms and ranches.