The legislative session is underway, and the Department is hard at work supporting efforts to improve health care affordability for all Coloradans and our employers. 

Our Department provides health care coverage to more Coloradans than any insurance carrier in the state, covering almost one in four Coloradans with a budget of more than 25 percent of the state's General Funds. Consequently, we are called upon to be a trusted advisor, resource, leader and innovator for responsible health care transformation to the betterment of our members and all Coloradans. At the same time, our leadership in transforming health care better enables our Department and our passionate staff to provide cost-effective access to the critical benefits, services and support programs that so many Coloradans rely on each day. 

To that end, together with Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera and the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care, we released the  Colorado Hospital Cost Shift Analysis report on Jan. 23. The report reveals that despite significant reductions in Colorado's uninsured rate and uncompensated care, and significant increases in Medicaid reimbursements, Colorado hospitals are persistently increasing the price they charge for their services. Hospital costs represent both the largest component and the most significant driver of rising health care costs; Department reports like this are therefore critical tools to help elected officials and stakeholders form effective affordability policy to the betterment of Coloradans and our employers.

On Dec. 31, the Department submitted the  Hospital Transformation Program (HTP) 1115 demonstration waiver application and State Plan Amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service (CMS). The federal comment period for the waiver ended Feb. 9 and the Department is working with CMS on specific program components. At the end of February, the HTP team will begin providing in-person trainings throughout the state to review the requirements and answer questions for hospitals participating in the program. We'd like to thank stakeholders, hospitals and community partners for their participation in the HTP process.

On Jan. 15, the Department submitted the  Hospital Expenditure Report to the General Assembly. This report details the activities the Department has undertaken to implement  HB19-1001 (Hospital Transparency) and  HB19-1320 (Hospital Community Benefit) to date. An addendum to this report will be submitted before the end of the 2019-20 fiscal year, when the detailed data from hospitals has been collected and analyzed. 

Together, we can achieve greater health care affordability for Coloradans and our employers. Thank you for your continued partnership on this important work!