Healthcare (Insurance)

This Wyoming bill (SF 122) shortens deadlines for health insurers and independent review organizations to evaluate whether medical services are necessary. It reduces the insurer review period from 45 to 21 days and requires external review organizations to complete decisions within 21 days of receiving a request. The changes directly affect health insurers, patients (claimants), and independent review organizations handling coverage disputes. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not alter coverage criteria, only the timing for decisions.

Wyoming's SF 41 creates "portable benefit accounts" to help independent contractors access benefits like health insurance or retirement savings. The bill allows hiring parties (companies or individuals) or contractors themselves to voluntarily contribute funds to these accounts, with strict rules requiring written opt-in agreements and clear disclosure. It prohibits using these contributions to determine employment status and mandates that accounts be managed by approved financial institutions. The law requires the Department of Workforce Services to create implementing rules and takes effect July 1, 2026. This directly affects independent contractors who currently lack employer-provided benefits.