A new health care program set to launch on January 1 in Colorado will provide coverage for thousands of undocumented immigrants, specifically targeting low-income pregnant women and children. The initiative, known as Cover All Coloradans, will expand Medicaid benefits to those previously ineligible due to their immigration status, marking a significant step in the state’s commitment to healthcare access.
The legislation, House Bill 22-1289, passed in 2022, laid the foundation for the program, which aims to ensure that undocumented residents can access necessary medical care without the threat of exorbitant out-of-pocket costs.
“We believe everyone deserves access to health care,” said Adam Fox, a spokesperson for the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, one of the groups that advocated for the passage of the law.
Enrollment Projections Exceed Expectations
Originally, the state projected that around 3,600 individuals would enroll in Cover All Coloradans, at an estimated cost of $34 million. However, with increased interest and a surge in demand, enrollment numbers have soared. State officials now anticipate more than 15,000 enrollees, pushing the program’s total cost to $51 million.
“As we see an increase in people moving to Colorado, particularly migrants, we’re seeing more individuals eligible for this coverage,” said Riley Kitts, policy director for the Colorado Children’s Campaign. “The surge in sign-ups is a positive indicator that the program is working.”
Kitts expressed optimism, highlighting that the program will provide crucial health insurance to many children and pregnant individuals who would otherwise remain uninsured.
Opposition Over Funding Concerns
While supporters tout the program’s benefits, not everyone is on board with the expansion, particularly amid the state’s financial challenges. Colorado is facing a $1 billion budget shortfall, prompting concerns from lawmakers like State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Republican from Brighton.
“With such a large deficit, it doesn’t make sense to push forward with this program while we are considering cuts to other critical services, such as pediatric behavioral therapy,” Kirkmeyer said. “It’s irresponsible to expand a new program while cutting essential services to low-income children.”
State’s Legal Obligation to Implement Program
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing emphasized that the department is legally obligated to implement the program following the passage of the 2022 law. The spokesperson noted that the program would reduce long-term health care costs by ensuring access to preventative care, preventing individuals from seeking treatment only after conditions become severe and expensive.
As the program’s January 1 launch date approaches, it remains to be seen how it will impact the state’s budget and healthcare landscape moving forward.
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