What to expect from Colorado lawmakers on health care in 2025
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Health care is a top priority for Colorado lawmakers entering the new year.
Why it matters: Decisions made during the upcoming legislative session could impact Coloradans for years to come.
State of play: Policymakers face tough challenges — including budget constraints, culture wars and political pressures — as they tackle issues straining Colorado's health care system, according to the Colorado Health Institute's annual analysis of the 2025 session.
- Key legislative priorities include protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening the state's health care safety net and addressing disputes between drugmakers and providers over prescription prices.
Zoom in: Here's a look at lawmakers' agenda when they return to the state Capitol on Wednesday:
340B program: The federal drug discount effort will probably take center stage with a proposed bill that would bar drugmakers from limiting the use of the program to certain pharmacies.
- 340B offers hospitals critical discounts on medications, which hospitals view as a lifeline but drugmakers argue is frequently abused.
Medicaid: Rising costs and uninsured patient rates are straining safety net providers, many of whom face low Medicaid reimbursement rates. Expect significant legislative efforts to address these challenges, policy experts say.
- A recent Magellan Strategies poll found Colorado voters in alignment, with 78% wanting the state to prioritize solutions for streamlining Medicaid access to ensure eligible residents receive care, while easing pressure on providers.
Gender-affirming care: As Colorado solidifies its status as a haven for gender-affirming care, LGBTQ advocates will push for new legislation to require insurers to cover it.
- However, insurance mandates can raise costs, creating a dilemma for Gov. Jared Polis, an LGBTQ+ advocate focused on reducing health care expenses.
Provider pain points: Issues such as hospital fees and out-of-network billing will be on the agenda as lawmakers seek to ease burdens on providers and patients.
The bottom line: A nearly $1 billion budget shortfall looms over the Legislature this session, which could put some initiatives on the chopping block.