House Democrat is glad to resume work on improving Wyoming healthcare

The Wyoming Legislature decided not to approve or develop plans for a healthcare exchange until the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

Many Wyoming Republicans were disappointed when the Court upheld that the federal government could require Americans to buy health insurance, but Democratic Representative Bernardine Craft of Rock Springs says she’s just glad the wait is over.

"I guess my first gut reaction was, ‘Thank goodness there’s a decision, and we can maybe move forward and start doing something for Wyoming now.’”

Craft sits on the House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee. She says she believes the law will improve Wyomingites' access to healthcare, and hopes she and her colleagues can begin developing an online healthcare exchange program soon.

Governor Mead has until mid-November to announce whether the state will create one or rely on the federal government to set one up here.