< Back May 31, 2019 GOV SIGNS MCLACHLAN’S BIPARTISAN WILDFIRE MITIGATION BILL Wildfires continue to threaten homes across Colorado (May 31) – Today, Gov. Polis signed Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bipartisan bill to mitigate the impacts of wildfires on Colorado’s mountain communities. “We’re quickly approaching wildfire season and this new law will help small businesses, homes and hardworking people who depend on having healthy forests,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “ It’s critically important to fight wildfires and this law will help mitigate the scope and severity of wildfires.” Rep. Barbara McLachlan is a member of the House Rural Affairs and Agriculture committee. HB19-1006 creates a grant program to help with wildfire mitigation efforts in high-risk areas across the state where residential areas are approaching forest land, known as wildland-urban interface areas (WUIs). Colorado has the third highest percentage of households deemed high or extreme risk from wildfires in the entire country. Previous Next

< Back March 17, 2022 HOUSE ED COMMITTEE ADVANCES BILL TO BOOST HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE DENVER, CO – Legislation to address the health care workforce shortage passed the House Education Committee today unanimously. SB22-003 would permit community colleges to offer BSN programs to nursing students. “We’re tackling the health care workforce shortage head on,” said Kyle Mullica D-Federal Heights . “Pandemic pressures have only added to the stress and burnout the nursing community has been dealing with. This bill will fast track Coloradans on a path to earning their BSN and will help hospitals find more qualified, talented health care professionals. I’m incredibly proud of the tireless work my nursing colleagues have put in over the past two years to keep Coloradans safe and healthy, now’s our chance to give them the break they deserve by boosting their workforce.” “Expanding the number of colleges who can offer BSN programs is a win-win for Colorado,” said Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “We’re focused on getting more health care professionals in high-paying, impactful careers and this bill paves the way to increasing Colorado’s nursing workforce.” If passed, SB22-003 would make it easier for students pursuing certificates in nursing to enroll in Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) programs at community colleges. The need for this bill comes at a time when Colorado is facing a significant shortage of health care workers. This bill addresses this need by streamlining the education process for future nurses and getting them in the field faster. Previous Next

< Back August 24, 2022 GOV. POLIS, LIEUTENANT GOV. PRIMAVERA, HIGHER-ED DIRECTOR PACCIONE, COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADERS, STATE LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE LAUNCH OF PROGRAM TO HELP SAVE HEALTH CARE STUDENTS MONEY Free community college for aspiring health care professionals builds upon Polis Administration’s work to save Coloradans money while building the workforce for the future ENGLEWOOD — Today, Governor Polis, joined by Lieutenant Gov. Primavera, Dr. Angie Paccione, Department of Higher Education executive director, Joe Garcia, Colorado Community College System chancellor, Stephanie J. Fujii, Arapahoe Community College president, state legislators, and community leaders launched the Care Forward Colorado program, which makes community college free for aspiring health care professionals, saving Coloradans time and money while giving Colorado’s health care system the support it needs to continue providing quality care. Earlier this year, Governor Polis signed bipartisan legislation sponsored by state Senators Sonya Jaquez Lewis and Bob Rankin and State Rep. Kyle Mullica as part of Colorado’s Roadmap to Moving Forward to infuse funding into the development of the health care workforce, providing real support to Coloradans entering the health care industry in good-paying jobs. “We are saving Coloradans money and making sure students can get the skills and training they need to build up our health care workforce for the future,” said Gov. Polis . “Colorado has one of the most highly educated and talented workforces in the country, and we are taking action to develop more talent right here at home.” “The past few years have been difficult for all of us, but especially our health care heroes, and it’s up to us to support them any way we can,” said Sen. Jaquez Lewis. “The Care Forward Colorado program will ensure health care professionals can go to community college for free, making it easier for Coloradans to enter the medical field while supporting our health care workforce so we can provide the highest quality care for patients. Through this program, we’re saving people money while building a healthier Colorado for all.” “When I recovered from my injuries and returned to civilian life, Arapahoe Community College gave me my first shot at getting back into building a new career by serving student veterans,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Now, with the new Care Forward Colorado Program, aspiring health care providers will have an opportunity to launch the career of their dreams. Free community college saves people money, and this program will strengthen our health care provider workforce to ensure everyone has access to the care they need, when they need it.” “It’s exciting to see this new law I sponsored being put into action,” said Rep. Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, an ER nurse . “The Care Forward Colorado Program at Arapahoe Community College will save Coloradans money as they pursue their careers in health care. I saw firsthand the burnout, stress, and anguish felt by so many of our first responders during the pandemic. SB22-226, and the free community college programs it’s creating, will boost our health care workforce and create new, free options for students to complete the degrees they need to build their careers.” Programs and training opportunities will be available at 19 community and technical colleges across Colorado, including the Colorado Community College System, Aims Community College, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado Mountain College, and Colorado's Area Technical Colleges. Starting in Fall 2022, students who enroll in one of the following health care certificate programs will be reimbursed for tuition, fees, and materials through 2024: Certified nursing assistant Emergency medical technician Phlebotomy technician Pharmacy technician Medical assistant Dental assistant “Care Forward Colorado propels Colorado toward a health care system where students can get a free health care certificate from their local community college and then decide whether to enter the workforce or continue their education locally,” said Dr. Angie Paccione . “This zero-cost opportunity puts students on a pathway to a career in health care, not simply a job.” “We have long been the partner of choice for Colorado’s health care industry and are proud to continue this legacy through Care Forward Colorado,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). “We are grateful to Gov. Polis and legislators for entrusting us with this generous investment and stand ready to train the next generation of health care professionals.” Helping Coloradans get the skills they need to lead careers they love has been one of the Polis Administration’s top priorities, with a focus on skills development in key industries like education, child care, and health care. Care Forward Colorado is one of more than 100 ways the Polis Administration continues to save Coloradans money and connect Coloradans to good-paying jobs. Community leaders voiced their support for the legislation signed by Gov. Polis to create the Care Forward Colorado program. "Senate Bill 226 aligns with CDLE’s work to support a strong health care talent pipeline through investments in health care apprenticeships and other work-based learning models. We are committed to working with the Community College system and technical colleges to advance apprenticeships and work-based learning across health care professions," said Joe Barela, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “SB 226 creates a pathway for current clinical health care providers to advance their knowledge and skills, as well as the opportunity for new Coloradoans to join our essential health care workforce,” said Dr. Robin Wittenstein, CEO of Denver Health. “This investment in people is critical not only for hospitals like Denver Health but for our employees and future employees as they work to advance their economic mobility. We were proud to support this legislation.” “Even before the pandemic, Colorado faced shortages in critical entry-level health care positions, and our colleges are committed to filling these gaps through affordable, accessible training,” said Dr. Landon Pirius, Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the Colorado Community College System. “We are grateful to Governor Polis and Senators Jaquez Lewis and Rankin and Representative Mullica for prioritizing legislation that makes historic investments in students and in our programs so we can bolster our work to transform lives and train the next generation of health care leaders.” Previous Next

New legislation to support Colorado seniors will take effect on August 6, 2025. < Back July 28, 2025 Bipartisan Law to Support Seniors Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO — New legislation to support Colorado seniors will take effect on August 6, 2025. HB25-1184 will allow certain senior living facilities to offer community-based care to seniors awaiting admission. “Demand for senior living facilities is only increasing, and this new law expands opportunities for older Coloradans to access programs and services offered by life care institutions,” said Rep. Amy Paschal, D-Colorado Springs. “From accessible transportation and nutrition support to socialization opportunities, community-based services are incredibly beneficial to older Coloradans. Soon, older Coloradans will have more opportunities to take advantage of community-based services that help them lead healthier, fuller lives.” “The in-between time from knowing senior care is necessary and actually being admitted to care programs can be long and very difficult,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco. “Increasing opportunities for older Coloradans to socialize, access nutrition support and transportation while waiting for admission to a life care institution will help ease their transition and support their overall well-being.” HB25-1184 , also sponsored by Representative Anthony Hartsook, R-Parker, and Senator John Carson, R-Douglas County, allows for the expansion of community-based care services offered by life care institutions to older Coloradans waiting to be admitted to these facilities. These institutions can now offer some services in a community setting or private residence with clear contracting requirements. Colorado has a handful of life care institutions, sometimes located in smaller or rural communities, that are supportive living facilities for seniors who pay a one-time admission fee. Waitlists for life care institutions can be long, especially in rural or underserved areas. This legislation supports the well-being of those waiting to be admitted by expanding access to care services like transportation, social programs, and health support. Previous Next

< Back February 6, 2019 HOUSE PASSES TIPPER & KENNEDY’S BILL TO ENSURE LOCAL CONTROL FOR SALE OF NICOTINE PRODUCTS (Feb. 6) – The House passed a bill today sponsored by Representative Kerry Tipper, D-Lakewood and Representative Chris Kennedy, D-Lakewood to allow local governments to make their own decision regarding the licensing, taxation and assessing of fees for tobacco products. “We should restore local control and give communities the tools they need to address the epidemic of teen vaping head on,” said Rep. Tipper. “Colorado leads the nation in teen vaping. This is the canary in the coal mine. If we don’t do something now, we will have a generation of folks to answer to.” In January of this year, the American Lung Association released the State of Tobacco Control report and gave Colorado an “F” grade for its low taxes on nicotine products like traditional and e-cigarettes. “The ultimate goal of this bill is to acknowledge the teen vaping epidemic. Twenty-six percent of high school student use e-cigs, which is the highest in nation,” said Rep. Kennedy. “Teens using e-cigs make them six times more likely to smoke actual cigarettes in their lives, which we know is a major health risk.” Colorado tobacco taxes are lower than most other states. The American Lung Association also gave a “D” grade for Colorado’s funding for state tobacco prevention programs. The report found the state is spending only half the amount the Center for Disease Control recommends on prevention programs. HB19-1033 passed the House floor by a vote of 38-26. The bill now heads to the Senate. Previous Next

< Back March 15, 2019 EDUCATION COMMITTEE APPROVES BIPARTISAN LONTINE BILL TO REDUCE SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS AND EXPULSIONS (Mar. 14) – The House Education committee voted in favor of Rep. Susan Lontine’s bipartisan bill to reduce preschool and early elementary out-of-school suspensions and expulsions. In Colorado and across the country, young children are being removed from pre-school and early elementary grades at alarming rates “Suspensions and expulsions disproportionately impact children of color and children with disabilities,” said Rep. Lontine, D-Denver. “This bill addresses a civil rights issue for our youngest learners.” Suspensions and expulsions result in the loss of valuable learning and enrichment time for Colorado’s kids. Young students, when they return to school, are often behind their classmates and more likely to be disruptive. In 2014 the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released data showing that black students are suspended and expelled at three times the rate of white students. That year, the Obama administration issued discipline guidelines aimed at reducing school suspensions of students of color. In 2018, the Trump administration and Sec. Betsy DeVos rescinded those guidelines. Suspensions and expulsions of students increase the likelihood of dropouts, academic failure and an increased likelihood of entry into the criminal justice system. The bill is aligned with national recommendations that seek to limit school removal for young children while promoting thoughtful exceptions that ensure school safety. The bill is supported by a number of stakeholders, including the Arc of Colorado, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Padres Jovenes Unidos, Colorado PTA and Colorado Education Association. HB19-1194 was approved on a bipartisan vote of 11-2 and now heads to the House floor. Previous Next

The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to strengthen victim protections by preventing insurance companies from receiving victim restitution payments. HB26-1017, sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and Yara Zokaie, passed by a vote of 7-4. < Back February 3, 2026 Bill to Strengthen Victim Protections Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation to strengthen victim protections by preventing insurance companies from receiving victim restitution payments. HB26-1017, sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and Yara Zokaie, passed by a vote of 7-4. “We’re prioritizing victims in Colorado law by removing insurance companies from the definition of victim in criminal restitution payments,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “This bill would clarify that unless an insurer is a direct victim, the method of seeking financial recovery is in civil courts.” “Restitution often becomes an unpayable debt that traps families in cycles of poverty and makes successful reentry harder,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “Insurance companies aren’t crime victims, and our bill makes them ineligible to receive restitution in criminal contexts. Insurance companies are sophisticated financial institutions that are structurally designed to absorb risk and loss, and granting them restitution serves no rehabilitative purpose." Currently, Colorado statute allows insurers of a victim of a crime to receive restitution payments in criminal cases. HB26-1017 would prohibit insurance companies from receiving these restitution payments. Insurers would be able to recover losses through the civil court system. Last year, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that a defendant in a drunk driving car accident incident was not liable for paying a car insurance company for damages to the victim’s car, however multiple judges have questioned whether lawmakers intended to allow insurance companies to seek restitution payments when they passed a 2003 law to clarify when it is appropriate for an insurance company to pursue crime victim restitution or a civil lawsuit. HB26-1017 would clarify in Colorado statute that insurers could not receive criminal restitution payments. Previous Next

< Back June 4, 2021 HOUSE PASSES COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS DENVER, CO– The House today passed two Colorado Comeback bills that will create jobs and help Colorado recover stronger by investing in workforce development initiatives and by improving our state parks. HB21-1330 , which is sponsored by Representative Julie McCluskie and Naquetta Ricks and passed by a vote of 44-19, uses federal funds to provide a $50 million boost to the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. The funding will increase access to robust pathways for workers to obtain news skills, earn higher wages and be prepared for the in-demand careers of the future. The bill seeks to rebuild and revitalize the state’s workforce by supporting students to complete their postsecondary credentials. The funding boost will be used to reverse the significant decline in enrollment in public higher education institutions, high rates of job loss and continuing unemployment, and the overall disruption to the workforce caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill also provides $1.5 million in grant funding to school districts to increase the number of students who complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) student aid applications before graduating high school. “The Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative is a proven program that helps students and workers enter into and successfully complete postsecondary degree or certified skills training programs,” said Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “With this bill, we are going to invest $50 million into the COSI program so that more workers and students can learn the skill and tools they’ll need to fill good jobs, build thriving careers, and boost our state’s economy.” HB21-1326 , which is sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Perry Will and passed by a vote of 52-10, would invest $25 million in federal funds to improve Colorado state parks. The bill provides: $750,000 to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to support backcountry avalanche safety programs; $3.5 million to the Division of Parks and Wildlife to implement its statewide wildlife action plan and the conservation of native species; $2.25 million to the search and rescue fund for use by the Department of Local Affairs in consultation with the division to support backcountry search and rescue efforts; $1 million to the outdoor equity fund for use by the division to implement the outdoor equity grant program; $17.5 million for state park staffing and maintenance and infrastructure and development projects. “Coloradans love our state parks, and both residents and folks from out of state are visiting and recreating in our parks more and more every year,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “The growth in visitors has led to environmental and conservation issues, as well as strain on park infrastructure. This funding will both repair and maintain existing parks while also making necessary improvements to support the growth we have experienced and expect to continue.” Previous Next

SB26-095 will improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response < Back May 20, 2026 ICYMI: Signed! Legislation to Support Survivors of Crimes SB26-095 will improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response DENVER, CO – Legislation to improve access to information for survivors of crime and strengthen trauma-informed practices in the justice system was signed into law yesterday. SB26-095 is sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, and Representatives Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Under current Colorado law, survivors of crime face significant barriers to care, justice, and information about their proceedings,” said Weissman. “I am proud to sponsor this long-overdue legislation to improve access to care, ensure trauma-informed justice procedures and law enforcement response, and strengthen protections for the rights of survivors in court proceedings.” “This survivor-led law builds on the progress we have made to improve protections for survivors and make it easier for them to hold their abuser accountable,” said Froelich. “The justice system can be daunting, especially when a survivor is discouraged from pursuing their case and is left to figure out how to track the status of their DNA evidence kit on their own. It should not be so hard for survivors to manage their cases. By improving trauma-informed investigations and response, survivors are more empowered and protected during the judicial process.” “We’re making changes to the health care, legal and justice systems to prevent the retraumatization of survivors and make it easier for survivors to seek justice,” said Willford. “Colorado Democrats stand with survivors, and our new law makes crucial changes that make navigating the justice system an easier, less traumatic experience for survivors. This will help aid in the healing process for survivors and improve public safety across the state.” SB26-095 makes several updates to Colorado statute, including: Ensuring that victims are notified when forensic testing is complete and informed of how to obtain results and other records related to testing; Creating a special motion to dismiss claims arising from protected survivor statements made during investigations or legal proceedings, helping to shield survivors from retaliatory lawsuits; Limiting the enforceability of mandatory pre-dispute arbitration and joint-action waivers, thereby strengthening the rights of survivors in sexual misconduct disputes; Authorizing remote forensic testimony and allowing certain survivors to voluntarily testify remotely via closed-circuit television to prevent retraumatization; and Expanding training and use of peace officer training funds to include trauma-informed law enforcement response training. Weissman, Froelich, and Willford passed laws last year to address the backlog in DNA tests collected in sexual assault investigations and protect survivors and children conceived through sexual assault. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation's processing backlog for sexual assault evidence kits reached over 1,400 cases in February 2025 with a turnaround time of 560 days. As of April 2026, the backlog has been reduced to 566 cases with a turnaround time of 334 days. Previous Next

< Back April 5, 2019 HOUSE APPROVES BIPARTISAN, HISTORIC BUDGET FOR ALL ‘Long bill’ now goes to conference committee (Apr. 5) – The House of Representatives approved the state budget package for fiscal year 2019-20, which will begin on July 1, 2019. Yesterday, Speaker KC Becker, Majority Leader Alec Garnett, and Joint Budget Committee members Rep. Daneya Esgar and Rep. Chris Hansen, reached a bipartisan agreement with the leadership of all four legislative caucuses on a total of $300 million in transportation funding. “We are proud to put forward a responsible bipartisan budget that works for all of Colorado,” said Rep. Esgar, D-Pueblo, vice-chair of the JBC. “Hardworking families and individuals will be well served by the historic investments we are making in education, transportation, mental and behavioral health and other priorities.” “Coloradans can be proud of this carefully balanced and comprehensive budget,” said Rep. Hansen, D-Denver. “While some in Washington push economically destructive trade wars, my colleagues and I were able to put forward a budget that makes historic, bipartisan investments in education, transportation and ensures kids and parents have access to full-day kindergarten.” Highlights from SB19-207, the “long bill” approved today, include: A total increased investment in K-12 education of $335.9 million, including funding for the implementation of full-day kindergarten as well as a $77 million boost in the budget stabilization factor buy-down. An additional $120 million investment in higher education to keep tuition flat for Colorado’s college students. Adds $1 million to help expand critical family planning services. Funds an additional $5 million for 42 new inpatient psychiatric beds at Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP). Increases broadband deployment grants by $18.7 million. “I thank the members of the JBC for their work on this responsible, bipartisan budget that will help invest in our future, expand opportunity for hardworking people in every corner of our state and enhance our unique quality of life,” said Speaker KC Becker, D-Boulder. “We’re making significant investments in education, higher-ed, transportation and other top priorities.” The “long bill” also includes: A $15.4 million placeholder for competency restoration (covers the state’s cost to reduce wait times for court-ordered mental-health evaluations). Adds $142,792 for management and maintenance costs for the new Veterans One-Stop (OneSource) Center in Grand Junction. The goal of the center is to improve services for Western Slope veterans by creating a hub for veterans’ organizations in the region. The facility will bring together, under one roof, multiple regional organizations that serve veterans’ needs. Adds $2.3 million cash funds for 20 new State Troopers and civilian staff to help make our roads safer. Approves 56 projects in the capital maintenance backlog, a $171 million investment for capital overall. The bipartisan bill was approved on a vote of 42-22. The “long bill” now goes to joint conference committee. Previous Next

The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and William Lindstedt. SB25-205, which passed by a vote of 8-3, would help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. < Back April 21, 2025 Bill to Identify Stolen Firearms and Illegal Sellers Passes Committee DENVER, CO - The House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Cecelia Espenoza and William Lindstedt. SB25-205, which passed by a vote of 8-3, would help identify individuals who are trying to sell a firearm that has been reported lost or stolen or involved in a criminal investigation. “Firearm dealers can come across thousands of firearms in their career, and their partnership in running serial numbers not only keeps our communities safe but also prevents them from unknowingly selling a stolen firearm,” said Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, D-Denver. “By creating a clear procedure, firearm dealers can help identify individuals who may have stolen a firearm or been involved in a crime. This is an additional approach Colorado Democrats are taking to protect our communities from gun violence.” “This bill adds to the work that Colorado Democrats have done to prevent lost, stolen, or illegally handmade firearms from getting into the wrong hands,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “Our legislation would add extra safety measures to help solve crimes, return firearms to their rightful owners and protect Coloradans.” SB25-205 would establish a procedure to allow a federal firearms licensee to request a firearm serial number check before purchasing a firearm from an individual. Under the bill, local county sheriff’s offices would have to complete the serial number check within 72 hours of the request. If a licensee has a reason to believe that a person sold or attempted to sell a firearm that is stolen, lost, or involved in an open criminal investigation, they would be required to report the information to law enforcement within 48 hours.Colorado Democrats have passed numerous laws to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, including laws to require gun owners to report when their firearm has been lost or stolen and properly store their firearms when not in use, including in their vehicles . The legislature also cracked down on “ghost guns” to keep unregulated, untraceable firearms out of our communities. Previous Next

New law passed by Colorado Democrats helped prevent nearly 100,000 Coloradans from losing their health care plan in 2025 < Back September 10, 2025 Lawmakers Celebrate Law that Protects Access to Health Care for Nearly 100,000 Coloradans, Urge Congress to Extend Tax Credits New law passed by Colorado Democrats helped prevent nearly 100,000 Coloradans from losing their health care plan in 2025 DENVER, CO – Representatives Kyle Brown and Lindsay Gilchrist and Speaker Julie McCluskie today released the following statements after Rocky Mountain HMO and Anthem’s HMO Colorado withdrew the discontinuances of health care plans that they filed in August. Colorado Democrats passed HB25B-1006 to help blunt health insurance rate increases and significantly reduce the number of Coloradans who could lose their health insurance coverage due to Congress’s refusal to extend the enhanced premium tax credits. “While I am relieved to hear that Rocky Mountain HMO and Anthem will continue to offer health care coverage for Coloradans, Congress must act now to continue the enhanced premium tax credits to prevent massive increases in health care costs,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Thanks to our new law, over 96,000 Coloradans will stay insured on their health care plan, but Congress’s inaction will still cause health care costs to skyrocket for hardworking Coloradans and small businesses. I strongly urge Republicans in Congress to step up to the plate and prevent these life-threatening price increases.” “Colorado Democrats passed legislation that is already preventing people from losing their health care coverage, but only Congress can prevent premium increases from jumping thousands of dollars,” said Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, D-Denver. “Every Coloradan deserves access to affordable, quality health care. When people skip doctor’s visits due to high cost or lack of coverage, it leads to worse health outcomes. Plus, the bill for these costly and preventable treatments gets passed onto everyone else, increasing costs for businesses and people with every type of health insurance. For many Coloradans, Congress’s failure to act before the end of the month could be life or death.” “Colorado Democrats have continued to demonstrate our commitment to making health care more affordable for all Coloradans, but if Congressional Republicans do not act soon, Coloradans on average can expect a 20-percent increase on their health care premiums,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “The law we passed this special session is the reason that insurers are no longer pulling out of counties across Colorado, which will protect access to health care for almost 100,000 Coloradans. I strongly urge Congress to do what is right for the people in our state and prevent unsustainable premium increases by extending tax credits for people who purchase their own health insurance.” In August, Rocky Mountain HMO and Anthem’s HMO Colorado filed to discontinue multiple health insurance plans in the individual market due to the failure of Congressional Republicans to extend the enhanced premium tax credits. This would have caused 96,000 Coloradans to lose their health insurance coverage , impacting Coloradans from the Denver Metro Area and the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains. Last month, the Colorado General Assembly returned to the Capitol to combat some of the harm caused by Trump’s tax bill and Congress’s failure to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Colorado Democrats passed HB25B-1006 to blunt serious increases in insurance premiums and protect health care coverage for Coloradans by helping the reinsurance program buy down premiums and cover the most expensive health care for patients. With Congressional Republicans’ failure to extend the enhanced premium tax credits, average statewide premiums were projected to increase by 28-percent. In the Eastern Plains, premiums are expected to rise more than 33-percent. The Western Slope will see premium increases of about 38-percent. Passing HB25-1006 is projected to keep premium increases to a statewide average of only 20-percent. Previous Next