Colorado: Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera & Protect Our Care Highlight Impact Medicaid Cuts Will Have on States

DENVER ~ Denver, CO - In a virtual press conference hosted by Protect Our Care, Lieutenant Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, Dianne Primavera, joined state leaders and national health policy experts to discuss the impact of changes to Medicaid from H.R. 1 on state budgets and access to care.

During the conference, Lt. Gov. Primavera expressed concern over the recent federal changes made by Congressional Republicans that directly undermine the progress made in Colorado to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for its residents. She stated that these reckless changes have a significant impact on millions of people and reduce access to critical care.

As a patient and advocate herself, Lt. Gov. Primavera has seen firsthand how these changes can negatively affect individuals and their ability to receive necessary healthcare services.

In Colorado, Health First Colorado (Medicaid) covers over 1.2 million people and represents a $13 billion program, with 64% of its funding coming from the federal government. However, changes under H.R. 1 such as new work requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, and limits on how states finance care are shifting costs to the state while increasing administrative complexity for counties, providers, and individuals.

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Due to Colorado's requirement to balance its budget, these federal changes have created immediate fiscal pressure while also increasing the risk of eligible individuals losing coverage due to paperwork burdens and reporting requirements. This disruption in coverage can lead to patients delaying care or skipping medications, ultimately driving up costs for the entire healthcare system.

The impact of these changes is particularly severe in rural communities where 15% of Medicaid members reside. Hospitals and clinics in these areas already operate on thin margins, so increased uncompensated care and administrative burden could force them to scale back services. This would result in longer travel times for patients seeking essential care.

Recent reports have shown a growing strain on hospitals, clinics, and care facilities as coverage declines and uncompensated care rises. These trends, combined with the policy changes in H.R. 1, are expected to continue increasing pressure on state health systems and limiting access to care.

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To mitigate these impacts, Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Primavera submitted the 2025-26 supplemental and budget amendment requests in January. This proposal aims to maintain a balanced budget while protecting funding for Colorado schools and public safety investments. It also focuses on Medicaid sustainability and reducing the harm caused by H.R. 1.

In conclusion, Lt. Gov. Primavera's participation in the virtual press conference highlighted the detrimental effects of changes to Medicaid from H.R. 1 on state budgets and access to care for Coloradans. The state government is taking steps to address these challenges and ensure that its residents have continued access to affordable healthcare services.

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