.png){kind=logo}
DENVER, CO - The House today advanced two bills to require continuity of health care coverage and expand presumptive eligibility to include long-term care.
“When Coloradans are transitioning to a new health care plan, they can be at risk of losing continued access to their current provider,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB24-093. “This legislation improves access to health care by streamlining coverage for the treatment of serious medical conditions when a consumer is transitioning to a new health care plan. We’re ensuring that people can receive the care they need when they need it.”
If a person is disenrolled from their health plan and begins receiving coverage from a new insurance provider for certain existing courses of treatment, SB24-093 would require the new provider to cover the treatment as in-network until the course of treatment is completed or for up to 90 days.
Qualifying medical circumstances covered by the bill include serious and complex medical conditions, pregnancy, and terminal illness. After the coverage timeframes outlined in the bill have been reached, the new insurance provider would be able to conduct a utilization review to determine continued treatment or authorize additional treatment. SB24-093 passed by a vote of 48-15.
“The time it takes to determine a Coloradan’s eligibility for long-term care can delay people with health care needs, like those with disabilities, from receiving the care they need,” said Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs, sponsor of HB24-1229. “This bill is crucial in streamlining and simplifying the eligibility process, so Coloradans can receive necessary and immediate health care that keeps them healthy.”
Beginning January 1, 2026, HB24-1229 would remove the requirement for a level of care assessment before a person can access long-term services and supports by allowing the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to collect any information required for federal authorization. HB24-1229 passed by a vote of 63-0.