SB 17-004

Senate Bill 17-004, also known as "Access To Providers For Medicaid Recipients," changes how Medicaid recipients pay for medical services. Currently, Medicaid recipients don't have to pay for services from any provider, even if the provider isn't part of the Medicaid program. The bill updates this rule so that recipients only avoid payment costs when using providers who are enrolled in Medicaid. If a recipient uses an unenrolled provider, they must sign a written agreement and may be responsible for the cost of those services. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official policy in Colorado.

Official Summary

Under current law, recipients of services under the Colorado medical assistance program (medicaid) are not responsible for the cost of services by a medical provider or the cost remaining after payment by medicaid or another private insurer, regardless of whether the medical provider is enrolled in the medicaid program, unless the medical services provided are nonreimbursable by medicaid. The bill amends the statute so that the prohibition on charging medicaid recipients for medical services applies only if the medical provider is enrolled in medicaid. Prior to providing medical services to a medicaid recipient, a nonenrolled provider must enter into a written agreement with the recipient as specified in the bill. If the requirements are met, the medicaid recipient would be responsible for the cost of the medical services. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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