Legislation to watch:

The Federal Deficit Reduction Act

Recent developments resulting from the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act this Spring are expected to have a negative impact on consumer access to Medicaid services.

Although the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have yet to release their guidelines about how to implement the law and any exemptions that will be considered, the Colorado Medical Services Board passed a rule on Friday, May 12th that will require proof of citizenship and identification in order to qualify for Medicaid. This new requirement will take place as of July 1st.

Vulnerable populations will be affected. More...

Read DenUM's letter urging careful consideration on this issue here. See news item at the bottom of the page.

Victory!

Senate Bill 44 – Primary Health Care Services for Uninsured Adults

Nearly $15 million in Referendum C dollars will be allocated to community health clinics that serve low-income uninsured Coloradans through this proposal. Eligibility for the Colorado Indigent Care Program will also be expanded from 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 250% FPL.

STATUS: Signed by Governor

Sponsored by Senator Bob Hagedorn (D-Aurora) and Representative Betty Boyd (D-Lakewood), SB06-44 was introduced as a bill to allocate $15 million of Referendum C health care funds to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs or Community Health Centers) to provide health care services to low-income, uninsured adults. More...

Thanks to The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative for information contained in these briefs.

In the News:

Medicaid rules hit oldest, youngest
New state rules are requiring all Medicaid recipients - including newborns and nursing home residents - to show photo identification to get health care.

The federally mandated rule could create barriers to health care for children, the elderly and disabled, advocates for the groups say