S_HHS_2024A 05/01/2024 11:29:00 AM Committee Summary

Senator Fenberg, primary bill sponsor, presented House Bill 24-1115, which establishes accessibility requirements for prescription drug labels and creates a grant program for pharmacies to acquire relevant accessibility labeling equipment.

Senator Fenberg provided a handout to the committee (Attachment A).

Committee members asked the bill sponsor questions.

Ms. Jessica Beecham, representing National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Curtis Chong, representing National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Hillary Jorgensen, representing Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Ms. Sara Schueneman, representing AARP CO, testified in support of the bill.

Additional written testimony was provided to the committee (Attachment B).

Senator Fenberg provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.

Senators Kirkmeyer and Rodriguez, primary bill sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1322, which requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to study the feasibility of covering specified housing and nutrition services and report to General Assembly by November 10, 2024. The study must address several issues, including costs and funding mechanisms, and how the services will integrate with existing state housing and nutrition services. HCPF may hire a consultant to assist with the study, and seek and expend gifts, grants, and donations. If HCPF determines that providing these services is budget neutral to the General Fund due to offsetting reductions in medical services and other expenditures, the department must seek federal authorization to cover the services by July 1, 2025.

Ms. Stephanie Glover, representing Colorado Access, testified in support of the bill.

Christina Walker, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Nic Soucy, representing Project Angel Heart, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Mr. Kevin Wilson, representing Children’s Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Adela Flores-Brennan, representing Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing Department, testified in support of the bill.

Cristen Bates, representing Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing Department, was available to answer committee questions.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Additional written testimony was provided to the committee (Attachment C).

Committee members provided closing remarks.

Tyler Garrett, representing Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Mark Deutchman, representing University of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Richard Orf, representing Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Joshua Ewing, representing Colorado Hospital Association, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Stacie Schreiner, representing Colorado Mesa University, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Madison Gregurek, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Roberts introduced amendment L.001 (Attachment D).

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.