Colorado legislators are facing funding uncertainties for Medicaid and Medicare programs, leaving safety net providers struggling. Over two million Coloradans rely on these programs for health care services, with safety net providers catering to uninsured, underinsured, and low-income patients. The repeal of the public health emergency in 2023 led to the “Medicaid unwind,” resulting in 575,000 Coloradans losing their coverage. Safety net providers have experienced a significant increase in uninsured patients and charity care costs, leading to financial losses and job cuts.
Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera have urged Congress to preserve federal funding for Medicaid to prevent devastating consequences like job losses and decreased health care access. Two bills in the Colorado legislature, House Bill 1174 and Senate Bill 290, aim to address these issues. House Bill 1174 seeks to cap prices for health services to save the state money, while Senate Bill 290 proposes a $60 million provider stabilization fund to assist all safety net providers.
The bills have received mixed reactions, with concerns from rural hospitals and stakeholders split on House Bill 1174. However, Senate Bill 290 has unanimous support and is seen as a critical solution to providing immediate financial assistance to safety net providers. Lawmakers, health care organizations, and providers have collaborated on these bills to ensure the sustainability of these essential services. The goal is to prevent further financial losses, job cuts, and decreased access to critical health care services for vulnerable populations across Colorado.
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