Source

Colorado Newsline

4 stories

CWS Colorado Director Urges Congress Restore Refugee Medicaid Eligibility

In a Colorado Newsline commentary, Kristy Beachy-Quick of CWS (Church World Service) argues that federal law revoking Medicaid eligibility for refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, and trafficking survivors will harm vulnerable Coloradans starting October 1, 2026. She cites the 2025 federal reconciliation law (H.R.1) as eliminating this coverage for roughly 7,000 Coloradans, leaving chronic conditions untreated and shifting costs to hospitals, food banks, and nonprofits. The author contends refugees contribute significantly in taxes and economic activity, citing state estimates of $127.1 million in state/local taxes and $233.3 million in federal taxes paid by Colorado refugees in 2023. She calls on Congress to restore Medicaid eligibility for these humanitarian populations.

Colorado Newsline

Legal·CO·30d ago

Colorado Sues Trump Administration Over Medicaid Gender-Affirming Care Funding Ban

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts challenging a Trump administration rule that prohibits states from using federal Medicaid funds for gender-affirming healthcare. The lawsuit, joined by other Democratic-led states, argues HHS lacks authority to categorically ban state coverage of this medical care. The challenge affects state Medicaid programs that currently cover gender-affirming services and could determine whether states retain flexibility to define medically necessary services under their state plans.

Colorado Newsline

State Policy·MD·34d ago

Maryland Cuts $126 Million in Medicaid HCBS Funding Amid Federal Rollback

Maryland cut $126 million in Medicaid home- and community-based services funding following federal reductions in Medicaid matching rates under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Trump in summer 2026. The cuts affect services that enable people with disabilities to live in their communities rather than institutions. Advocates, including disabled individuals and families, lobbied the Maryland legislature to limit the cuts but could not prevent them entirely. The reductions reflect a broader national trend as federal protections for community-based disability services erode and states respond to budget shortfalls.

Colorado Newsline

State Policy·94d ago

States Face Coverage Loss Risk as CMS Narrows Medically Frail Definition for Work Requirements

State Medicaid agencies report concerns that sick and disabled enrollees will lose coverage under a narrowed federal definition of "medically frail" used for work requirement exemptions. The change stems from legislation President Trump signed last year requiring states with Medicaid expansion to implement work requirements. State officials fear the tightened criteria will disqualify many enrollees who previously qualified for exemptions, forcing them into compliance or disenrollment. The policy directly affects how managed care organizations identify and retain vulnerable members.

Colorado Newsline+2 more