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Colorado Public Radio

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Colorado Cuts Medicaid for 5,900 Legal Immigrants Under HR1

As of October 1, Colorado's Health First Colorado program terminated Medicaid eligibility for roughly 5,900 legal immigrants, including refugees, asylees, trafficking and domestic violence survivors, and people granted humanitarian parole or withholding of removal. The eligibility changes stem from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR1), which restricted federal Medicaid eligibility for certain immigrant categories. The state's Department of Health Care Policy and Financing says it notified affected members via text and email starting in May and June, though advocacy groups like COLOR report confusion and inadequate communication to impacted communities. Exemptions remain for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents meeting requirements, certain Cuban/Haitian entrants, children under 19, and pregnant individuals. State officials anticipate increased uncompensated care costs for hospitals and clinics as affected individuals forgo care or pay out of pocket.

State Policy·16d ago

Colorado Medicaid Projects Service and Funding Cuts Amid Budget Overruns

Colorado’s Medicaid program is forecasting service reductions and funding cuts as the program significantly overspends its budget. State lawmakers attribute rising costs to multiple converging factors creating financial pressure on the program. The forecast signals potential cuts affecting the state's Medicaid beneficiary population. Specific timing, affected services, and dollar amounts were not detailed in available information.

Colorado Public Radio

State Policy·CO·17d ago

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.

Colorado Public Radio