Colo. Senate Democrats: Roberts' Bills to Improve Consumer Health Insurance Protections, Increase Availability of Telehealth Services Clear Committee

DENVER, Colorado, March 21 -- The Colorado Senate Democrats issued the following news release on March 20, 2024:

Today, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee advanced two bills sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, that would improve consumer health insurance protections and increase access to telehealth services in rural and underserved areas.

"Coloradans in my district know firsthand how challenging and expensive it can be to access critical health care services," said Roberts. "During my time in the legislature, I've worked hard to implement protections for Colorado patients and providers and deliver high-quality, affordable health care services to underserved areas. The bills advanced today ensure that Coloradans won't be nickel-and-dimed if their health insurance provider goes out of business, and that folks in rural areas have access to high-quality telehealth and remote health monitoring services."

HB24-1258 would ensure that Coloradans whose old insurer leaves the marketplace is credited for all out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles and prescription drugs. The legislation comes as a direct response to the Friday Health Plans shutdown and would protect and save Coloradans money by not requiring them to pay health insurance deductibles twice.

The second bill, SB24-168, would increase the availability of telehealth monitoring services in rural and underserved areas. Co-sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, the bill would direct the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to reimburse the use of telehealth monitoring for outpatient services for Medicaid patients and provide coverage for continuous glucose monitoring devices.

Additionally, the bill would create a grant program to assist rural and shortage area providers in obtaining remote telehealth monitoring equipment. Funds from the grant program could also be used for providers training staff on utilizing remote monitoring equipment.

Both bills now move to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track HB24-1258's progress HERE (https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1258) and SB24-168's progress HERE(https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb24-168).

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Original text here: https://www.senatedems.co/newsroom/roberts-bills-to-improve-consumer-health-insurance-protections-increase-availability-of-telehealth-services-clear-committee