FACA99D95057831087258AFD0003BD85 Hearing Summary

Senators Michaelson Jenet and Rich, primary bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 24-124, which requires Medicaid and state-regulated health insurance plans to cover certain biomarker tests outlined in the bill. Under the bill, all tests supported by medical and scientific evidence must be covered for the purpose of guiding treatment decisions.

The new requirement applies to Medicaid starting July 1, 2025 and to private insurance plans starting January 1, 2026. Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is allowed to conduct prior authorizations for these tests. The bill requires HCPF to provide notice of the authorization review results and to provide a readily accessible online appeals process for denied claims.

Mr. RJ Ours, representing American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Coral Cosway, representing Alzheimer's Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Sabrina Wright-Hobart, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Rebecca Givens, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Peggy Dennis, representing American Cancer Society, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Cori Chandler, representing American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, testified in support of the bill.

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

Dr. Leticia Shea, representing Colorado Pharmacists Society, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Melissa Horn, representing Arthritis Foundation, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Kristine McLaughlin, representing Legislative Council Staff - fiscal analyst, joined to panel to answer committee questions.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks.