Colorado Leaders Raise Concerns Over Medicaid Cuts in Congressional Health Bill

Colorado state leaders, health care executives, and lawmakers have expressed concerns about the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' recently passed by the U.S. House, citing its potential adverse effects on Medicaid and health insurance coverage, particularly in rural and resort communities. The legislation includes substantial changes to Medicaid, such as new work requirements, increased eligibility reassessments, reductions in federal funding for states covering undocumented immigrants, and exclusions of coverage for certain procedures.

The Congressional Budget Office projects nearly $800 billion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade, alongside a potential national increase of 16 million uninsured individuals by 2034. Enhanced tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans are set to expire under the bill, which would also limit enrollment periods, further risking an increase in the uninsured population, with an estimated 110,000 Coloradans potentially losing coverage via marketplace plan changes. Mountain Family Health Centers CEO highlights the already high uninsured rates in western Colorado and concerns that new work requirements may lead to increased administrative burdens and coverage loss, particularly impacting service industry workers integral to regional economies. Officials warn that cuts in Medicaid funding could jeopardize federally qualified health centers financially, risking layoffs and clinic closures due to expanding uninsured patient loads.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis and legislative leaders emphasize that the bill’s combined effects on Medicaid and ACA provisions could destabilize rural health care infrastructure and elevate insurance costs, potentially pushing up to 300,000 Coloradans out of coverage within ten years. The bill has stirred partisan divisions, with all but five House Republicans supporting the measure, including Colorado’s Republican representatives, while Democrats uniformly oppose it. Colorado's Democratic Senators vow to oppose the bill in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Future amendments or Senate modifications may require reconsideration by House members. The discourse reflects ongoing debates over Medicaid reform, affordability, and regulatory implications on access to health care services in high-cost regions.