Representative Bradfield and Speaker McCluskie, co-prime bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-002, concerning seeking federal authorization for Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by a community health worker. The bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to seek federal approval to pay for services provided by community health workers under Medicaid by July 1, 2024, and to begin implementing this coverage once approval is received. The bill defines “community health worker” as a frontline public health worker who serves as a liaison between health care or social service providers and community members to facilitate access to physical, mental, or dental health-related services, or services to combat social determinants of health. HCPF must report to the General Assembly on implementation of community health worker services under Medicaid by January 31, 2026.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Patricia Valverde, representing the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, testified in support of the bill.

Andrea Dwyer, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Commissioner Rich Cimino, representing Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Sandimar Timberman, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  

Susan Robertson, representing the Summit Community Care Clinic, testified in support of the bill.  

Kelly Erb, representing the Colorado Rural Health Center, testified in support of the bill.  

Cristen Bates, representing HCPF, was available to answer committee questions.  

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Written testimony was provided to the committee (Attachment A).

Speaker McCluskie and Representative Bradfield made concluding remarks on the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.