Colorado 2025 Bills

Health-Care Payment Programs

House Bill 26-1432, which has been signed into law, stops the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing from reducing or redistributing extra payments given to hospitals through a program called the Hospital Transformation Program. This means that hospitals will continue receiving their current supplemental medical assistance payments without any cuts or changes. The bill affects hospitals participating in this program by ensuring they maintain their existing financial support levels. Since it has been signed, the law is now active and hospitals can expect to receive these funds as before.

Last action: 2026-05-05 · House

Gifts Grants & Donations for Nursing Facilities

Senate Bill 26-191 allows the state department responsible for health care policy and financing to accept gifts, grants, and donations specifically aimed at supporting nursing facilities that cater to residents with behavioral health needs. These funds will be used to enhance reimbursement models for these facilities without requiring additional funding from the state’s general budget. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that such external support can now be accepted and utilized by the department to improve care for this specific group of patients.

Last action: 2026-05-04 · Senate

County Administration Public Assistance Programs

HB 26-1429 is a Colorado bill that aims to create a centralized system for managing public assistance programs like Medicaid and food stamps. It requires state departments to work with county agencies to prevent fraud and improve how these benefits are given out across the state. The bill also calls for regular reporting on how well this new system works, starting in 2027. Since it has been signed into law, the requirements outlined in the bill will now be implemented according to the set timeline.

Last action: 2026-05-01 · House

Residential Treatment for Members in Colorado Department of Human Services Custody

Senate Bill 26-188, titled "Residential Treatment for Members in Colorado Department of Human Services Custody," aims to transition certain residential treatment services for individuals under the care of county human or social services departments into a managed care system. The bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to form a steering committee by July 1, 2026, which will develop policies and recommendations for this transition. By April 1, 2027, HCPF must create these policies in collaboration with the committee, and services should be fully transitioned into managed care by July 1, 2027. This bill affects individuals receiving residential treatment through county departments and is now signed into law, meaning it will proceed as planned unless further actions are taken.

Last action: 2026-05-01 · Senate

Establishing Commission on Medicaid

Senate Bill 26-187 establishes a new commission focused on Medicaid in Colorado. This group will consist of lawmakers who will meet at least six but no more than twelve times to discuss how Medicaid is spent and run, especially considering any changes from the federal government. They must submit their findings and recommendations by December 11, 2026. The bill has been signed into law, meaning the commission can start its work immediately. This affects anyone involved in or receiving benefits from Colorado's Medicaid program.

Last action: 2026-05-01 · Senate

Applied Behavior Analysis Services

HB 26-1425 is a Colorado bill that establishes a licensing board for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services. Starting July 1, 2028, anyone providing ABA services in Colorado must be licensed by this board and meet specific qualifications like certification and background checks. The law also sets rules for clinics offering these services and allows Medicaid to cover more ABA providers who are working towards certification. This bill is now signed into law, meaning its regulations will begin taking effect as specified.

Last action: 2026-04-28 · House

Public Health Employee Whistleblower Rights

Senate Bill 26-179 expands protections for whistleblowers in Colorado's public health sector. It ensures that employees at the University of Colorado Hospital Authority and Denver Health and Hospital Authority can report workplace violations related to health or safety rules without fear of retaliation. The bill also removes certain legal barriers, like notice requirements and liability restrictions, that could otherwise hinder these workers from speaking up. Since it has been signed into law, this legislation now provides stronger protections for healthcare workers who raise concerns about public health issues in these specific hospitals.

Last action: 2026-04-23 · Senate

Health Insurance Affordability Measures

Senate Bill 26-178, titled "Health Insurance Affordability Measures," aims to make health insurance more affordable for Coloradans by allowing a state enterprise to collect funds from health insurance companies and issue bonds. This money will be used to provide subsidies for individuals buying health coverage on the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange and to study ways to further reduce costs and increase enrollment in health plans. The bill also directs the state treasurer to transfer $40 million from marijuana tax revenues to support these efforts, with a loan of up to $100 million available if needed. Signed into law, this means that the measures are now official policy and will be implemented as described.

Last action: 2026-04-23 · Senate

Prescription Drug Out-of-Pocket Expense Credit

Senate Bill 26-167, known as the Prescription Drug Out-of-Pocket Expense Credit, aims to help Colorado residents who buy prescription drugs directly from pharmacies or online platforms by allowing their health insurance plans to count these expenses toward their annual out-of-pocket maximums. To qualify for this credit, individuals must provide proof of payment within 90 days and meet certain conditions set by their insurance carriers. This bill will take effect on January 1, 2028, after being signed into law. It benefits people who often face high costs when purchasing medications outside their usual healthcare network.

Last action: 2026-04-16 · Senate

Sensitive Test Results in Health Care

Senate Bill 26-162, which has been signed into law, changes how sensitive medical test results are shared with patients in Colorado. Starting July 1, 2027, hospitals and doctors must wait three business days before sharing certain test results related to cancer diagnosis or genetic markers for cancer through electronic health records or patient portals. However, these results can be released immediately if a healthcare provider deems it necessary or at the patient's request. This law aims to give medical professionals time to review and explain sensitive results to patients directly rather than having them see potentially alarming information without context. The bill affects anyone who receives cancer-related test results through their electronic health records in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-15 · Senate

Medical Record Requests

HB 26-1414, also known as the Medical Record Requests bill, limits how much healthcare providers can charge attorneys or personal representatives for medical records that exceed 664 pages. The maximum fee is set at $400 unless special handling of sensitive information is required, in which case a reasonable fee may be charged. Starting in 2028, this limit will adjust for inflation every two years. The bill also mandates that medical records must be provided electronically if possible and within 30 days after payment, with some exceptions for delays due to force majeure events. Since the status of the bill is "signed," it has been approved by the legislature and signed into law by the governor, meaning its provisions are now enforceable.

Last action: 2026-04-09 · House

Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Statistical Sampling & Extrapolation

HB 26-1412, a Colorado bill that has been signed into law, allows the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to use statistical methods to identify and recover overpayments made to Medicaid providers who offer nonemergency medical transportation or pediatric behavioral therapy services. This applies specifically to audits initiated after July 1, 2026, for services provided between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025. The law also mandates that the state auditor reviews these audit methods annually and reports findings to relevant committees. This bill affects Medicaid providers who offer specific nonemergency medical transportation or pediatric behavioral therapy services in Colorado. Since it has been signed into law, the provisions will take effect as scheduled, impacting how audits are conducted and overpayments are recovered from these service providers starting in 2026.

Last action: 2026-04-06 · House

Changes to Cover All Coloradans Program

HB 26-1411, which has been signed into law, changes Colorado's medical assistance program by limiting benefits for pregnant women and children based on income and immigration status. Starting in 2027, it caps dental services at $750 annually, restricts behavioral health services to fee-for-service only, removes coverage for certain collaborative care programs, and limits home- and community-based services for some low-income immigrant families unless they already receive these services by the end of 2026. Additionally, the bill sets a cap on enrollment for children in the state medical assistance program and eliminates the state's children’s basic health plan. These changes will affect eligibility and coverage for thousands of Colorado residents who rely on public healthcare programs.

Last action: 2026-04-06 · House

Managed Care Entity Payments

HB 26-1377 is a Colorado bill that changes how state funding for mental health transitional living homes is counted under budget laws. Currently, when managed care entities (MCEs) receive money from the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to pay for services at these homes, this transaction is considered as money leaving and then re-entering the state, affecting budget calculations. The bill proposes that if MCEs pass on federal or state funds directly to the Department of Human Services for these homes, it shouldn’t be counted twice in the state’s budget limits. This change affects how much funding can be allocated without needing voter approval under Colorado's Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Since the bill has been signed, this new rule is now in effect and impacts the budgeting process for mental health services funded through Medicaid.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Repeal Medicaid Reimbursement for Equine Therapy

House Bill 26-1365 removes Medicaid coverage for equine therapy, which is a type of treatment that uses horseback riding or interactions with horses under the supervision of licensed therapists. This change will affect people who rely on Medicaid to pay for this specific kind of therapy and could impact their ability to access it. The bill has been signed into law, meaning that starting from now, Medicaid will no longer cover these costs, and funding for equine therapy through Medicaid will be reduced by about $181,500 in the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Health Disparities & Community Grant Evaluation

HB 26-1390 is a Colorado bill that changes how the state evaluates its health disparities and community grant program. Instead of having an outside organization assess the effectiveness of these grants, which aim to reduce health inequalities, the Department of Public Health and Environment will now handle this evaluation internally. This change affects how the state monitors and improves programs designed to help communities with significant health issues. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now official policy and the department must start evaluating the program according to these new guidelines.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

COVID Increased Medicaid Match to General Fund

House Bill 26-1367 allows Colorado to keep extra federal money it received during the COVID-19 pandemic for Medicaid services. This extra funding, which is more than the usual amount from the federal government, will help cover costs for healthcare provided through Medicaid. Once all the bills and payments related to this extra funding are settled, the state will no longer be able to keep this additional money. The bill has been signed into law, meaning Colorado can now retain this extra funding until the process is completed.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education Grant Appropriation

HB 26-1389 is a bill that removes the yearly need for Colorado's government to allocate funds specifically for a program that provides comprehensive human sexuality education grants. This change means that the state no longer has to set aside money each year for this particular educational initiative. The bill affects schools and organizations involved in sex education programs funded by these grants. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now official policy and does not require further action from lawmakers at this time.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Denver Health Federal Funds for Physician Services

HB 26-1366 is a Colorado bill that allows Denver Health to use money from hospital fees to increase payments for doctors' services, which can help improve the quality of care provided. This affects patients who receive medical treatment at Denver Health facilities. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it will now be implemented and Denver Health can start using these funds as intended.

Last action: 2026-04-02 · House

Transfer of Unsold Insurance Premium Tax Credits

House Bill 26-1346 allows the Colorado Department of the Treasury to sell unused insurance premium tax credits to entities other than just insurance companies. These entities can then transfer these tax credits to an insurance company, which cannot further transfer them. This bill is now signed into law and will affect how tax credits are managed and used within the health insurance industry in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-04-01 · House

Sunset Kidney Disease Prevention Education Task Force

House Bill 26-1277 is a Colorado law that ends the operation of the Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force. This task force was responsible for raising awareness about kidney disease and promoting prevention strategies. The bill passed both legislative houses and is now in effect, meaning the task force will no longer exist to carry out its previous duties related to health education and outreach.

Last action: 2026-03-31 · House

Sunset Podiatry Board

House Bill 26-1344, which has been signed into law, extends until September 1, 2035, the period during which the Colorado Podiatry Board will continue its role in licensing and regulating podiatrists. The bill also requires all licensed podiatrists to create a plan that ensures the security of their patients' medical records. This affects podiatrists who are licensed in Colorado and aims to improve patient data protection while maintaining oversight over the profession. Since it has been signed, the bill is now law and its provisions will be enforced.

Last action: 2026-03-30 · House

Increase Access to Pharmacy Services

HB 26-1336, titled "Increase Access to Pharmacy Services," aims to expand health insurance coverage for services provided by pharmacists in Colorado. This includes allowing health benefit plans and Medicaid to cover more services that fall within a pharmacist’s scope of practice, such as certain medical consultations and treatments. The bill also prevents discrimination against pharmacists based on their license type when it comes to reimbursement and network inclusion. Additionally, the legislation updates regulations for pharmacy practices, including how pharmacies verify medication orders filled by technicians or automated systems, ensuring accuracy and quality control. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect, enhancing patient access to pharmacist-provided care while maintaining safety standards.

Last action: 2026-03-17 · House

Abortion Medication Access on College Campuses

HB 26-1335, also known as the Abortion Medication Access on College Campuses bill, requires Colorado colleges and universities that have student health centers to provide abortion medication services directly at these centers. Schools with on-site pharmacies must keep a supply of abortion medications available for students. For institutions without an on-site pharmacy, they are required either to submit prescriptions to off-campus pharmacies or dispense the medication through their student health center if allowed by their licensing. However, schools can opt out if providing such services would conflict with their religious beliefs or affect federal funding and standard medical practices negatively. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-03-17 · House

Reducing Administrative Burdens on Health Care

Senate Bill 26-138 aims to reduce administrative burdens on healthcare by conducting regular performance audits and modifying certain requirements for health insurance carriers and healthcare providers. The bill removes some federal transparency law compliance requirements for insurance companies and changes the training hours needed for dentists and veterinarians regarding drug prescribing. It also updates how uninsured patients are screened for public health insurance eligibility, allowing more flexible methods like third-party resources or questionnaires. Additionally, it adjusts reporting deadlines and review periods for hospitals' financial statements and transparency reports. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes will now be implemented as outlined in the legislation.

Last action: 2026-03-11 · Senate

Medicaid Nonemergency Medical Transportation

HB 26-1328 is a Colorado bill that focuses on improving Medicaid Nonemergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) services. It establishes a transportation community advisory board and sets rules for the safety and oversight of NEMT services. The bill also ensures that transportation providers receive necessary support to facilitate these services, while requiring verification of eligibility and transparency in trip assignment rules. Signed into law, this means that the measures outlined in the bill are now enforceable and will impact Medicaid members needing nonemergency medical transportation across Colorado.

Last action: 2026-03-11 · House

Large Employer Worker Health-Care Support

HB 26-1327 is a Colorado bill that introduces a new fee for large employers (those with 500 or more employees) who do not provide affordable health coverage to their workers. The fee amounts to $2,300 per worker who qualifies for state medical assistance but isn't covered by employer-sponsored insurance. This money will be used to help cover the costs of healthcare benefits for these workers and to offer grants to employers that allow workers to buy into their health plans. Employers can avoid this fee if they provide affordable health coverage or meet certain exemption criteria like being a nonprofit, public entity, or having a collective bargaining agreement with health-care coverage. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now active and enforceable in Colorado. This means large employers will need to start preparing for the new requirements and fees as outlined by the legislation.

Last action: 2026-03-09 · House

Licensing of Behavioral Health Facilities

House Bill 26-1305, which has been signed into law, allows psychiatric inpatient facilities to operate under the license of a main hospital if they meet specific conditions. This means that these specialized mental health units can function as part of larger hospitals rather than needing their own separate licenses. The bill affects both hospitals and patients by potentially making it easier for psychiatric care to be integrated within existing healthcare systems. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and its provisions are in effect.

Last action: 2026-02-27 · House

Sunset Colorado Medical Board

HB 26-1307 is a Colorado bill that extends the Colorado Medical Board's existence until September 1, 2035. It also makes several changes to how medical licenses are managed and issued. For example, it allows individuals with a natural medicine facilitator license to provide certain services without needing a full medical license. Additionally, it gives distinguished foreign teaching physicians more flexibility in renewing their licenses if they continue to work at a medical school. Lastly, the bill permits the board to issue special administrative licenses for doctors who do research or other non-patient care tasks but don't need to meet continuing education requirements. Since this bill has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect and will impact how healthcare professionals are licensed and regulated in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-27 · House

Hospital Funding

HB 26-1301 is a Colorado bill that proposes raising taxes on liquor and marijuana sales to fund mental health services. If voters approve it in the 2026 general election, the tax increase will help build and operate a new mental health institute as well as cover operational costs for long-term civil commitment facilities. The funds collected from these higher taxes would go towards improving mental health care infrastructure and support in Colorado. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now awaiting voter approval before the changes can be implemented.

Last action: 2026-02-25 · House

Revision to Nurse & Nurse Aide Practice Act

House Bill 26-1296 amends the Nurse and Nurse Aide Practice Act in Colorado. It adds a new rule that allows healthcare professionals like nurses and physician assistants to face disciplinary action if they repeatedly or intentionally fail to complete a required medical certification for a death certificate without a valid reason. This bill affects healthcare providers who are responsible for certifying deaths. Since it has been signed into law, the changes described in the bill are now enforceable by law.

Last action: 2026-02-25 · House

Sunset Regulation of Hemodialysis Treatment

House Bill 26-1280 extends the regulation of hemodialysis clinics and technicians for another 11 years until September 1, 2037. This means that these medical facilities and professionals will continue to be governed by specific rules to ensure patient safety and quality care. The bill affects patients who receive dialysis treatment and the healthcare providers who administer it. Since the status is "signed," the bill has been approved and is now law, meaning the regulation of hemodialysis clinics and technicians will indeed continue as planned.

Last action: 2026-02-20 · House

Limitations on Collection Actions for Medical Debt

House Bill 26-1267 in Colorado aims to protect patients from aggressive medical debt collection practices. It requires medical creditors to notify patients 30 days before taking any collection actions, selling the debt, or transferring it to another party, and ensures that patients are screened for public health insurance programs and discounted care options. The bill also mandates that medical creditors offer reasonable payment plans to those with medical debts. If a creditor violates these rules, patients can receive damages of at least $3,000 or actual damages suffered. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its protections are now in effect for Colorado residents dealing with medical debt.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

Alcohol Impact & Recovery Enterprises

House Bill 26-1271, known as the Alcohol Impact & Recovery Enterprises bill, establishes three new entities within Colorado’s behavioral health administration. These entities will collect fees from alcohol manufacturers and wholesalers to fund services aimed at addressing issues related to alcohol use. The bill also sets up a board to oversee these enterprises and mandates regular audits by the state auditor starting in 2032-33. Since it has been signed into law, this means that the new enterprises are now operational and can begin collecting fees and implementing their programs.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

Patient Access to Compounded Medical Items

House Bill 26-1262, known as "Patient Access to Compounded Medical Items," allows licensed healthcare professionals in Colorado to mix or create personalized medications (compounding) under federal and state laws. It also permits pharmacies and specialized facilities to supply these compounded drugs to doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers. The bill ensures that the state’s pharmacy board cannot impose stricter rules than what is already set by federal and state regulations. This means patients will have better access to customized medications tailored to their specific needs. Since it has been signed into law, this legislation is now active and enforceable in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-19 · House

Supporting the Human-Animal Bond

House Bill 26-1229, also known as the "Supporting the Human-Animal Bond" act, recognizes the positive impact that pets have on human health and well-being. It allows for grants to be given to organizations that promote this bond between humans and animals, provided that additional funding is allocated by the state legislature. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official policy in Colorado and can start benefiting those who support or participate in programs involving human-animal interaction.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Updates to Medicaid

HB 26-1235 is a Colorado bill that updates Medicaid by requiring transportation brokers to provide information about their contracts with medical transport providers starting December 1, 2026. It also changes some terms and requirements for reimbursement of treatment services in jails, prohibits certain payment reductions for outpatient therapy, mandates home-based service agencies to report financial data starting January 1, 2027, and requires the state department to publish information on community engagement efforts. This bill affects Medicaid members, healthcare providers, and transportation companies that work with Medicaid patients. Since it has been signed into law, these changes will be implemented as specified in the legislation.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Designating Emergency Medical Services Essential Services

House Bill 26-1238, now signed into law in Colorado, declares that emergency medical services are essential and integral to the state's healthcare system. This means that both paid and volunteer EMS providers who offer ambulance services—both urgent and nonurgent—are considered to be providing an essential service wherever they operate. The bill also updates definitions related to these services and clarifies that off-duty EMS workers do not have a duty to respond to medical emergencies. This law aims to ensure better support for emergency medical services and their providers across the state.

Last action: 2026-02-18 · House

Update Behavioral Health License Terminology

House Bill 26-1202 updates the terminology in Colorado's laws related to behavioral health licenses. It changes references from "acute treatment unit" to "behavioral health entity," aligning with how these facilities are currently licensed since 2019. This bill affects licensing and regulatory processes for behavioral health providers. Since it has been signed, the updated terminology is now official state law.

Last action: 2026-02-17 · House

Require Recovery Residences to Obtain Behavioral Health Administration License

Senate Bill 26-113 requires recovery residences in Colorado to get a license from the Behavioral Health Administration starting July 1, 2027. Currently, these places only need certification by another organization unless they have been operating for over 30 years since before May 23, 2019. This change will affect how recovery homes are regulated and ensure they meet certain standards. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official and will be enforced as scheduled in 2027.

Last action: 2026-02-12 · Senate

End Nursing Provider Wage Enhancement Payments

House Bill 26-1177, which has been signed into law, stops the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing from giving extra wage payments to nursing homes that participate in Medicaid. This means nursing home staff won’t receive additional pay intended to improve wages for their work. The bill also cuts $4.359 million from the state’s budget for medical and long-term care services for people eligible for Medicaid in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This affects nursing homes that rely on these extra payments to support staff salaries, potentially impacting the quality of care provided to Medicaid patients.

Last action: 2026-02-06 · House

Process for People with Behavioral Health Disorder

HB 26-1116 is a Colorado bill that aims to improve mental health care and support for individuals with behavioral health disorders. It aligns the emergency commitment process for substance abuse and mental health issues, allows courts to require defendants to participate in mental health treatment as part of their discharge plan, and extends the follow-up period after an individual's release from emergency mental health hold from 48 hours to 72 hours. Additionally, it updates licensing requirements for behavioral health entities by allowing certain exceptions for telehealth services and outpatient care facilities. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now in effect and being implemented.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Mandatory Coverage Hormone Replacement Therapy

House Bill 26-1122, which has been signed into law, requires health insurance plans in Colorado to cover hormone replacement therapy for women going through menopause or perimenopause. Large employers must start offering this coverage by January 1, 2027, while individual and small group plans will need to do so by January 1, 2028. The state's Medicaid program is required to provide this coverage starting July 1, 2027. This means that women in Colorado who are experiencing menopause or perimenopause will have access to hormone replacement therapy through their insurance coverage once these deadlines are met.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Host Home for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

House Bill 26-1147 aims to improve oversight and transparency for host homes that provide care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill requires the state health department to create a database containing information about these host homes and their service providers, which will be accessible to the public under certain privacy conditions. It also mandates regular reporting by service agencies starting in 2026 and sets standards to ensure that local regulations treat host homes like other residential properties. Since it has been signed into law, this bill is now active and its provisions are being implemented or prepared for implementation.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care

HB 26-1139, titled "Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care," is a bill that sets rules for how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used by health insurance companies and other healthcare providers when deciding whether to cover medical services. It ensures that AI systems must consider individual patient circumstances rather than just group data and requires human review if the AI denies coverage. The bill also defines mental health chatbots as AI tools that interact with users like a therapist would, but it prohibits these bots from pretending to be real therapists or handling sensitive user information without proper safeguards. This means insurance companies can't pay for therapy provided by an AI system unless it's just giving general advice and not claiming to offer professional treatment. The bill has been signed into law, so its rules are now in effect and must be followed by healthcare entities in Colorado.

Last action: 2026-02-04 · House

Health Care in Regulated Facilities

House Bill 26-1107, also known as "Health Care in Regulated Facilities," requires dementia care facilities in Colorado to provide detailed information about their services and policies. This includes staff training for dementia care, guidelines on the use of restraints, security measures, and criteria for resident placement, transfer, or discharge. Starting October 1, 2027, these facilities must complete a standardized form created by the Department of Public Health and Environment and make it available to the public online and upon request. The bill is now signed into law, meaning dementia care facilities will need to comply with its requirements starting next year.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Colorado Medicaid Access to Primary Care Services

HB 26-1096, also known as the Colorado Medicaid Access to Primary Care Services bill, ensures that people on Medicaid can still pay out-of-pocket for primary care services if their regular Medicaid provider doesn’t offer them. It allows Medicaid members to sign a special agreement with a healthcare provider who is not directly accepting Medicaid payments but will provide needed care. This means patients can get the primary care they need even if it’s not covered by their Medicaid plan. The bill has been signed into law, so these changes are now in effect for anyone on Colorado Medicaid looking to access primary care services outside of traditional coverage methods.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Licensed Midwife Public Health Facility Privileges

House Bill 26-1092, which has been signed into law, ensures that certified nurse midwives and certified midwives in Colorado can have the same medical staff privileges as other healthcare providers when practicing independently. This means hospitals cannot deny them full access to admitting patients, discharging patients, or voting rights within the hospital's medical staff structure just because they are licensed midwives. The bill affects midwives and the hospitals where they work, ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for these professionals.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Discuss Adoption Information with Pregnant Persons

House Bill 26-1105 requires health-care providers in Colorado to offer pregnant individuals information about adoption as an alternative to abortion if the individual is considering terminating their pregnancy. This discussion must take place at least 24 hours before any abortion procedure can occur, unless the patient declines this conversation. The bill applies to anyone seeking an abortion from a healthcare facility and was signed into law after being introduced in the Health & Human Services committee.

Last action: 2026-02-03 · House

Safeguard Minors from Sex-Altering Interventions

HB 26-1087, which has been signed into law in Colorado, bans doctors and mental health professionals from providing certain treatments to minors that alter their biological sex characteristics. This includes surgeries, hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and counseling aimed at affirming a minor's gender identity or suggesting they need medical intervention due to distress about their biological sex. The law also prevents schools and healthcare providers from hiding information from parents if their child expresses a desire to transition, and it stops state funding for these treatments. Healthcare professionals who violate this law can lose their licenses and face criminal penalties. This affects minors seeking gender-affirming care and the medical professionals who provide such services.

Last action: 2026-02-02 · House