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DENVER, CO – Two health care bills, one to save Coloradans money on fertility treatments and one to boost the health care workforce, passed the House Health and Insurance Committee today. HB22-1008, Implementation Of Fertility Coverage passed by a vote of 9 to 2. HB22-1050, International Medical Graduate Integrate Healthcare Workforce passed by a vote of 7-4.
“We’re working diligently to save Coloradans money on starting or growing their family by expanding health care coverage to include fertility treatments and diagnosis,” said Rep. Kerry Tipper D-Lakewood sponsor of HB22-1008. “We know the high cost of fertility treatments is a barrier for many Coloradans wanting to start a family. This bill will help thousands access more affordable fertility coverage.”
HB22-1008 would update legislation passed in 2020 to ensure that insurance plans cover fertility diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, the revised bill language would implement federal requirements for fertility coverage to take place under some Colorado health care plans.
Fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), is often a prohibitively expensive health care treatment for people wanting to start or expand their families. If passed, HB22-1008 would save Coloradans money by covering fertility treatments in large employer plans beginning January 1, 2023. It also applies to individual and small group policies within a 12-month decision from Colorado Health and Human Services (HHS).
“Boosting our health care workforce is a top priority this legislative session,” said Rep. Naquetta Ricks D-Aurora, sponsor of HB22-1050. “Colorado’s health care workforce shortage is very real, especially to those living in rural and underserved communities that often lack access to essential and preventative care. This bill aims to address the shortage of doctors, nurses and other critical health care workers by making it easier for qualified International Medical Graduates to enter the workforce and provide everything from routine check-ups to life saving care.”
HB22-1050 would improve the integration of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) into Colorado’s health care workforce. IMGs are qualified medical professionals who have completed medical training outside of the United States. However, they often face barriers to re-entering the health care workforce because of licensing requirements. HB22-1050 will create pathways to assist IMGs to navigate re-entry through readiness programs and equalizing licensing programs.
Pandemic pressures combined with workforce shortages have caused a strain on Colorado’s health care workers. This bill would combat the shortages by assisting qualified medical professionals to enter Colorado’s healthcare workforce.