Polis' final budget plan would gut Medicaid benefits
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Gov. Jared Polis attends an event Sept. 16. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Gov. Jared Polis wants to slash Medicaid benefits in his final budget proposal, cutting adult dental coverage, scaling back home care and ending health coverage for children without legal status.
Why it matters: Roughly 1.2 million Coloradans rely on Medicaid, but the term-limited Democrat says current spending is unsustainable and squeezing money for schools and other priorities.
Driving the news: Polis is proposing Medicaid cuts in the current budget year and downsizing the program in the next, starting July 1.
- The plan trims back long-term care spending and behavioral health services, along with Cover All Coloradans, which provides health coverage regardless of immigration status.
By the numbers: Medicaid costs are projected to grow 15% in the next fiscal year. Polis wants to cap that at 4.3%, or roughly $800 million — on par with inflation.
- Without cuts, Medicaid would reach $6.9 billion, nearly double its level five years ago and about 38% of all discretionary spending.
What he's saying: Polis framed the cuts as a way to deliver better care at a lower cost.
- "How do we kind of bring it in line with the expectations to make sure that we're driving better outcomes at a lower cost to taxpayers?" he said Monday.
Between the lines: Polis is counting on another $331 million in Medicaid savings he hasn't identified, leaving more cuts to come.
The other side: Health care advocates blasted the proposal.
- "Polis' suggested budget cuts put the health of vulnerable Coloradans at risk and exacerbate an already worsening affordability crisis," Adam Fox of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative said in a statement.
- The governor "is now proposing more cuts to lifesaving programs rather than supporting a viable solution."
The big picture: Polis' final budget plan totals roughly $48 billion, including a 2.6% increase in general fund spending.
Yes, but: Polis won't have the final word. His successor can revise the proposal after taking office in January.
- From there, lawmakers get the final say.