Legislative Session in the Books

The 2022 legislative session wrapped up just before midnight on Wednesday. Although we know we aren’t quite finished with the pandemic, it sure was exciting to be able to participate in this year’s legislative session in person. I am thrilled I had the opportunity to see so many policy makers, advocates and friends in recent weeks while participating in the legislative process.

Connect for Health Colorado Board of Directors took a support stance on two bills that passed and will await action from the Governor to become law: Healthcare Sharing Plan Reporting Requirements (HB22-1269) and Health Exchange Education Campaign Healthcare Services (SB22-081). We also took a monitor stance on Health Benefits For Colorado Children and Pregnant Persons (HB22-1289), which also passed.

Healthcare Sharing Plan Reporting Requirements (HB22-1269) will bring more transparency to health cost sharing arrangements. The bill will help Connect for Health Colorado better support customers in attaining and retaining the right health coverage for their circumstances.

Health Exchange Education Campaign Healthcare Services (SB22-081) will provide more funding to our marketing and outreach efforts, giving us additional resources to enhance our efforts. We know that access to affordable health coverage often starts with increasing people’s awareness of the options available to them. The bill directs the additional marketing and outreach to focus on reducing the uninsured rate and improving health literacy in Colorado.

I’d like to specifically thank the prime bill sponsors — Representatives Will and Tipper, Senators Smallwood and Donovan – for their willingness to work with us and our Board to make sure this legislation has the greatest impact possible to increase access, affordability, and choice for people buying health insurance in Colorado.

Lastly, Health Benefits For Colorado Children and Pregnant Persons (HB22-1289) includes multiple health care provisions. Most notably, the bill creates a special enrollment period for uninsured pregnant persons beginning in 2024, and expands eligibility for pregnant persons and children for Medicaid and CHP+ regardless of documentation status beginning in 2025.

We look forward to seeing these bills become laws and move health policy forward in our state.

Connect for Health Colorado Board Changes

At this week’s board meeting, our Board Chair, Claire Brockbank, and board member Adela Flores-Brennan, announced they are moving on to other endeavors, and will be leaving our Board.

I’d like to take a moment to thank each of them for their numerous contributions and wish them both well in their new positions.

I am staying in close contact with Governor Polis’ team as he considers future appointments to fill these vacancies. In the meantime, I’m honored that Lorez Meinhold will be our Interim Board Chair.

In the News

The Colorado Sun has a comprehensive round up of some of the top bills passed during the legislative session.

Take care, 

Kevin Patterson, MURP, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Connect for Health Colorado