State Policy · CO
Colorado Pediatric Clinics Close as Medicaid Cuts, Federal Eligibility Changes Hit Children's Coverage
Federal Medicaid cuts totaling $1 trillion and a 2% Colorado state reimbursement rate reduction are forcing pediatric clinic closures and coverage losses for children. Two pediatric clinics within 10 miles of Commerce City have closed entirely due to insufficient revenues. On October 1, 2026, new federal rules will cut Medicaid eligibility for immigrant children, affecting an estimated 7,000 Colorado children. Colorado projects up to 377,000 total Medicaid enrollees at risk of disenrollment, with children representing more than one-third of the state's Medicaid population.
Why it mattersPediatric provider network adequacy is at immediate risk in Colorado as clinic closures accelerate and eligibility restrictions take effect October 1, directly impacting health plan network contracts and children's access to care.