Sen. Jim Smallwood has been following the implementation of the Colorado Option over the past year, and is concerned about the impact it’s having on the private insurance market. Having opposed the policy during its time in the legislature, Smallwood told us during the Colorado State of Reform conference in November that it’s having negative … Read more
“Access, access, and more access” is what Sen. Rhonda Fields told us is her highest priority for state health policy at last month’s Colorado State of Reform conference. As a representative of some of the state’s rural areas in Adams and Arapahoe counties, Fields is particularly focused on ensuring healthcare access for rural Coloradans. She … Read more
In this month’s edition, you’ll find information and insight about upcoming Medicaid redeterminations, coverage of various healthcare-related legislation being considered in Denver, and an update on the work of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Thanks for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform 1. Health leaders continue preparation for Medicaid redeterminations The federal Public Health … Read more
With Colorado’s 2023 legislative session beginning last month, Reporter Boram Kim has been monitoring the first health bills being taken up by lawmakers, some of which are described below. In our first Colorado newsletter of 2023, we also feature a conversation with Rep. Matt Soper about what he hopes is accomplished this session, information about the Behavioral … Read more
This edition features Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s health policy plans for the 2023 session, the Colorado Hospital Association’s legislative priorities for next year, and information about the recently released Alzheimer’s State Plan. Thanks for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform 1. Rep. Michaelson Jenet’s 2023 priorities With the legislative session starting next month, House health committee Chair … Read more
It was such a thrill to see so many of you at last month’s 2022 Colorado State of Reform Health Policy Conference! Thanks to all who participated and helped make it a wonderful event. Our Digital Media Specialist Alex Nelson made a wonderful “What You Missed” video that captures the sights and sounds of the memorable day—check … Read more
In front of a packed room of healthcare professionals, Colorado legislators who led health reform efforts over the past several years followed up their virtual conversation in 2021 with an in-person panel at the 2022 Colorado State of Reform Health Policy Conference in Denver last week. The panel consisted of Colorado Sen. Jim … Read more
Happy Pride! Our June newsletter includes a valuable conversation with an LGBTQ+ advocacy leader who outlines ways to improve the community’s at-risk behavioral health. We also feature important takeaways from the legislative session from key lawmakers, some recent conversations regarding inflation’s impact on the Colorado Option, and more. Thanks for reading! Eli Kirshbaum State of Reform … Read more
The Colorado Legislature is set to adjourn on Wednesday after a busy session largely focused on the development of the Behavioral Health Administration, health care support for older Coloradans, and health care billing and payment reform. See our coverage of some of this legislation, as well as an insightful conversation with incoming BHA Commissioner Dr. Morgan … Read more
Colorado’s ability to provide care to its nation-leading elderly population is “severely lacking,” according to Sen. Jessie Danielson (D – Lakewood), the sponsor of a new bill to fortify the state’s geriatric provider pipeline. Senate Bill 189 would create the Multidisciplinary Geriatric Provider Pipeline program at the University of Colorado Anschutz to provide a robust … Read more