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Your U.S. Senators need to hear from you on Medicaid cuts! |
On Feb. 25, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the Concurrent Budget Resolution, the first step in the Reconciliation process, opening the door for up to $880 billion in Medicaid cuts. These cuts would have devastating consequences for patients and physicians. Now is the time to act—your U.S. senators need to hear from you!
Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper have publicly voiced concerns about the impact on Colorado. Contact them today and urge them to continue to oppose these harmful cuts.
Current proposals being discussed would slash Medicaid funding through multiple scenarios, including reducing federal Medicaid matching funds, cutting support for programs like Colorado’s hospital provider fee that funds the state’s Medicaid expansion, and changing the federal matching rate. These cuts would have a devastating effect on the Medicaid system and disproportionately harm rural and at-risk communities in Colorado and across the country. Click here for Colorado Department of Health Care Policy Financing state-modeled projections on how devastating this would be to Colorado.
Congress should support state-led innovations that improve outcomes without reducing eligibility. The Colorado Medical Society (CMS) joined 50 other state medical societies in a letter to Congress opposing these cuts. Now, we need your help. Contact your senators today and urge them to protect Medicaid funding! |
We are over halfway through the 2025 session! Key bills are moving: |
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HB1176 Behavioral Health Treatment Stigma for Providers will reduce the stigma around mental health care for physicians and other providers by removing problematic questions on medical licensing and renewal applications in Colorado. Physicians deserve the right to care for their own well-being without being forced into untenable, unnecessary choices between continuing the profession they love, serving patients safely, and prioritizing their health. This bill successfully passed in the House and is scheduled for committee in the Senate on April 3rd.
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SB152 Health Care Practitioner Identification Requirements will help patients know who is providing their care. We believe the physician-patient relationship is paramount, and that knowing who is taking care of you is key to building trust and fostering healing. This bill passed with amendments in the Health and Human Services Committee.
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SB083 Limitations on Certain Restrictive Agreements (MD/DO non-competes) limits restrictive employment agreements by prohibiting non-compete clauses for physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and dentists in Colorado. It ensures that health care providers can inform patients about their continued practice, new contact information, and the patient's right to choose their provider. Additionally, it clarifies conditions under which non-compete agreements related to business ownership and sales are enforceable. This bill has passed in the Senate and has been introduced in the House.
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HB1151 Arbitration of Health Insurance Claims improves the arbitration process for out-of-network health insurance claims. By introducing a batching process, the bill allows multiple claims to be considered together under a single arbitration fee. This bill will help reduce administrative burdens. This bill has passed in the House and is scheduled for committee in the Senate on April 3rd.
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SB157 Deceptive Trade Practice Significant Impact Standard removes critical legal safeguards by eliminating the requirement that deceptive trade practice claims must significantly impact the public, making it easier to bring lawsuits against professionals, including physicians. This bill is going through work on the Senate floor.
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HB1174 Reimbursement Requirements For Health Insurers sets reimbursement rates for providers under state and small employer health plans. This bill does not address the crisis in Colorado’s health care safety net. With rising uninsured patients and expected Medicaid cuts, capped physician rates may only worsen access to care, making it harder for doctors to serve vulnerable communities. This bill is going through work on the Senate floor.
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SB32 Naturopathic Doctor Requirements Formulary that would have greatly expanded the scope of naturopaths was killed in committee early in the session. The proponents of the bill are skilled at lobbying and had naturopaths at the Capitol daily talking to elected officials, but our advocacy team and facts about training won the day.
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URGENT: Protect Physician-Led Care for Injured Workers |
The Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation is poised to proose a regulation that would allow physician assistants and nurses to act as primary providers without physician oversight—undermining quality care for injured workers. Why It Matters
Physician-led care ensures injured workers receive expert medical judgment for complex conditions. While PAs and nurses are valuable team members, they should complement—not replace—physician care. Take Action Now
Time is running out — Colorado physicians must act to protect care standards.
Sign the Petition — Demand withdrawal of this harmful regulation.
Send a Message — Urge Director Paul Tauriello to reject this change. The Stakes Are High
Without action, injured workers risk delayed diagnoses and compromised care. Physicians must stand up for the highest standards.
Deadline: Act by March 31, 2025. |
State budget cuts ahead — here is how it may impact medicine |
The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) is in the throes of finalizing difficult budget cuts to fill a $1.2 billion hole. Next week the Colorado Senate is expected to take up the budget (also known as the “Long Bill”) that must be passed and balanced per the state’s constitution. There is a long line of advocates begging the JBC to spare their favorite program from the chopping block. Health care, including the state’s Medicaid program which consumes over 30% of state spending and covers 1.5 million Coloradans, is a prime target. Given a $368 million Medicaid shortfall carried over from FY 2024-25, the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) has proposed cutting provider rates by 3-5%.
The Colorado Medical Society (CMS) has intensified advocacy efforts to stave off cuts that will decrease access to care. CMS worked with state specialty society partners on a House of Medicine letter responding to a HCPF request for budget cutting ideas. Physicians argued against cuts, emphasizing the fragility of the safety net with FQHCs, rural hospitals, adult and pediatric primary care practices on the brink, and other specialties still reeling from other prior cuts.
The latest state budget forecast paints a grim picture for the rest of this year and next as uncertainty reigns. State woes could be severely compounded pending Congressional action on federal Medicaid cuts to fund other budget priorities and the extension tax credits. CMS will continue to advocate for sustainable funding solutions. Watch for updates in future issues of this newsletter.
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