Colorado Archives - DR News - News, Retirement, Finance

Colorado House Passes Key Health Care Access Bills

Denver, Colorado – The Colorado House recently approved a series of bills aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility across the state. These legislative measures are designed to address various aspects of healthcare, from prescription drug affordability to expanding services like telehealth and mobile health units. One of the bills, SB24-110, focuses on reducing costs for Coloradans when it comes to prescription medications. This bill would eliminate unnecessary authorization requirements for certain antipsychotic medications, ensuring that individuals …

Rising Health Care Costs in Colorado: How much are health care costs increasing and why is no simple answer

DENVER, Colorado – Health care costs are on the rise, leading to some astonishing bills for patients in the state. According to the Center for Improving Value in Health Care in Denver, prescription drug payments by patients and health insurers in Colorado skyrocketed by 97% between 2013 and 2020, and overall health care payments per person averaged $7,200 in 2020, representing a 27% increase from 2013. The portion paid out-of-pocket by patients with commercial insurance …

Colorado Bill Mandating Insurer Coverage for Weight Loss Drugs Clears Key Hurdle Despite Cost Concerns

Denver, Colorado – A bill that recently progressed in the Colorado State Capitol could potentially require state-regulated insurers and Medicaid to provide coverage for weight loss drugs for individuals who are either obese or prediabetic. Despite facing opposition from the Division of Insurance and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, the bill managed to pass the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill’s estimated cost implications have raised concerns, with the state’s Medicaid system potentially …

Supreme Court Urged by Trump to Rule on Colorado Ballot Eligibility

Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump is urging the Supreme Court to take up a case regarding ballot eligibility in Colorado. Trump’s lawyers have warned the Court of potential chaos and bedlam if states are allowed to bar him from the 2024 ballot. They are pushing for the Court to keep his name on the ballot, citing concerns over potential disarray if he is not allowed to run for office. The former president’s legal …

Colorado Option Sees Surge in Signups During Enrollment Season as Health Care Costs Soar

Denver, CO – The Colorado Option has seen a surge in signups during the current enrollment season. This initiative aims to provide affordable health insurance to residents of Colorado, addressing the rising costs of healthcare in the state. Proponents of the Colorado Option believe that it will help lower premiums and increase the quality of care for consumers. The program is designed to create more competition among insurance providers and increase transparency in pricing, ultimately …

Abortion Access Campaign in Colorado Gathers Over 225,000 Signatures for Ballot Initiative

Denver, Colorado – Colorado is at the forefront of the battle for abortion rights, with campaigns underway to enshrine these rights in the state’s constitution. Among nearly a dozen states with citizen-led initiatives on the ballot this fall, Colorado stands out for its progressive abortion laws, which currently have no gestational limits in place. Jessica Grennan, the campaign director of Coloradans for Protecting Reproductive Freedom, acknowledges the financial barriers that many Coloradans face in accessing …

Abortion Rights Initiative in Colorado Surpasses Signature Goal

Denver, Colorado – In Colorado, abortion is legal with no gestational age limit, but there is no constitutional protection for this right. This opens the door for potential restrictions by a Republican governor and legislature. However, a proposed Ballot Initiative 89 aims to change that by explicitly recognizing the right to abortion in the state constitution. If passed, Ballot Initiative 89 would prevent the state and local governments from denying, impeding, or discriminating against the …

Power Outage Hits 55,000 Colorado Customers Amid High Winds and Fire Danger

Denver, Colorado – As high winds sweep through Colorado, power utility companies are taking precautionary measures to prevent wildfires by shutting off power to thousands of customers. Xcel Energy has made the decision to cut off power to 55,000 customers amidst the heightened risk of wildfires due to the strong winds in the region. The move comes as weather alerts are issued for the Denver area, highlighting the potential dangers posed by the windy conditions. …

Colorado School Districts Announce Snow Days and Late Starts Due to Arctic Cold Front

Denver, Colorado – Many Colorado school districts will experience a snow day on Tuesday, while others will have a delayed start. This decision was made due to the prediction of dangerously cold temperatures and wind chill. The biggest school districts in the state, including Denver Public Schools, Jeffco Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, and Cherry Creek School District, will be closed. In addition, the mountain schools in the Boulder Valley School District will also be …

Amir Farooqi Appointed Interim Director of VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System

DENVER, COLORADO – In a recent announcement, Amir Farooqi, FACHE, has been named as the Interim Director of VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, effective March 22, 2024. Farooqi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this new role, having previously held significant positions within the healthcare sector. Prior to his current appointment, Farooqi served as the Director/CEO at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) from September 27, 2020. His journey in …