Senator Michaelson Jenet, primary bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 25-048 which requires health benefit plans to cover lifestyle therapy, bariatric surgery, and anti-obesity medication for the treatment of chronic obesity and pre-diabetes. The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing must seek federal authorization to provide these treatments; and, if approved, notify members in writing about the availability of treatment.

Dr. Rebecca Andrick, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Christine Fallabel, representing American Diabetes Association, testified in support of the bill. Michael Conway, representing Division of Insurance, testified in opposition to the bill. Dr. Carolynn Francavilla, representing Obesity Medicine Association, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Adam Gilden, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Dr. Megan Kelsey, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Djanne Smith, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Tyler Garrett, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Kevin McFatridge, representing Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in opposition to the bill. Serena Nangia, representing themself, testified to amend the bill. McKenna Ganz, representing The Eating Disorder Foundation and Colorado Alliance for Size Equity, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Patrick Boyle, representing Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Teddy McCullough, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Linda Shapiro Manning, representing Obesity Action Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Bettina Schneider, representing Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing Department, was available to answer committee questions. Dr. Gillian Lee, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jovita Schiffer, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment F).

The committee recessed.

The committee resumed.

Senator Michaelson Jenet provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.