The 2024 general election in Colorado resulted in 98 percent of COMPAC-endorsed candidates winning their races for the state legislature. According to Sean Pauzauskie, MD, chair of COMPAC, and Darlene Tad-y, MD, MBA, chair of the Council on Legislation, this outcome is expected to shape health care policy during the 2025 legislative session. The endorsement process was designed to connect legislators with physicians so that lawmakers understand medical priorities and have relationships with local doctors for consultation.
A large number of new legislators are joining both chambers. The advocacy team expects these freshmen will bring new perspectives and may lead to more cooperation on health-related issues.
Several House districts—HD 16, 19, 43, and 50—were closely contested. Republicans needed three wins in these districts to prevent a Democratic supermajority; as of press time, HD 43 went to Democrat Bob Marshall and HD 50 to Republican Ryan Gonzalez. In the Senate, key races included SD 5, where Republican Marc Catlin’s victory could keep Democrats from reaching a supermajority. A ballot measure preserving abortion access in the state constitution also passed and is likely to prompt further debate on reproductive health care in the next session.
Leadership changes are anticipated in both chambers. The Senate will have a new president and both House and Senate Health Committees will see new chairs who will influence health care legislation. New members such as Representatives-elect Lindsay Gilcrest, Gretchen Rydin, Rebekah Stewart, and Senators-elect Judy Amabile and Lindsey Daugherty are expected to advocate for health care issues.
Looking ahead to the legislative session in 2025, several topics are likely to be discussed: access-to-care issues, Medicaid RAC audits, pharmacy benefit managers, bans on non-compete clauses for physicians, hospital facility fees, batching bills for out-of-network services arbitration claims, scope of practice expansions by non-physicians, and efforts affecting liability laws.
A projected $900 million shortfall in Colorado’s state budget poses challenges for funding Medicaid programs. Governor Polis’ proposed Medicaid budget includes $23 million in cuts to physician and other service rates next year. Addressing these financial constraints will require focused advocacy from stakeholders so that health care remains a priority at the capitol.
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