S_HHS_2025A 04/17/2025 02:10:34 PM Committee Summary

Kimberley Bryant, Lynne Thompson, James Kuemmerle, Karen Brown, Ronica Rooks, Penny Whitney, David Corder-Green, Rebecca Chopp, Kathryn Cowling, Joie Glenn, Erin Maruzzella, Barbara Kreisman, and Jake McGuire, appointees to the Colorado Commission on the Aging, appeared before the committee. The appointment letters may be found in Attachment A. Ms. Kristine Burrows introduced herself and the appointees. The appointees discussed their reasons for wanting to serve on the commission.

Aldwyn Gardner, appointee to the State Board of Health, appeared before the committee. The appointment letter may be found in Attachment B. Ms. Ann Hause introduced herself and the appointee. The appointee discussed their reasons for wanting to serve on the enterprise.

Senators Kipp and Weissman, primary bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 25-198 which modifies reporting requirements for health care, long-term care, and veterinary care entities involved in certain types of transactions, and requires providers to disclose specific information to patients.

Committee members provided closing remarks.

Senators Mullica and Bright, primary bill sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1226 which requires the Statewide Health Care Review Committee to study health care billing practices and produce a report.

Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Kristina Ericson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Molly Kirkham, representing The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Carson Covey, representing Family Voices Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Patti Micklin, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Rachel Entrican, representing Colorado Health Care Policy and Financing Department, testified to amend the bill. Amy Ferrin, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, testified to amend the bill.

Hillary Jorgensen, representing Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Vincent Egan, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Craig Towler, representing Center for People With Disabilities, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Rochelle Mitchell, representing Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Michael Neil, representing Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment C).

The primary bill sponsor provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.

Senators Bridges and Jodeh, primary bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 25-118 which prohibits state-regulated insurance plans from imposing cost sharing requirements on maternity coverage. This requirement applies to prenatal care, including regular office visits, screenings, testing, and monitoring services.

Mr. Kevin McFatridge, representing Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in opposition to the bill. Debra Judy, representing Division of Insurance, testified to amend the bill. Alice Cole, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Thomas Perille, representing Democrats for Life of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Catherine Wheeler, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment D).

Senator Jodeh explained amendment L.002 (Attachment E).

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.

Senators Simpson and Michaelson Jenet, primary bill sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1176 which modifies the physical, mental, behavioral, and substance use disclosure requirements for registered medical professionals.

Ellie Laughlin, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Darlene Tad-y, representing Colorado Medical Society, testified in support of the bill. Erica Pike, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Sarah Werner, representing Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, was available to answer committee questions. Mr. Daniel Blaney-Koen, representing American Medical Association, was available to answer committee questions. Dr. Kristen Nordenholz, representing Colorado Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians and The Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, testified in support of the bill. Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment F).

Senator Michaelson Jenet explained amendment L.001 (Attachment G).

The committee recessed.

The committee resumed.

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.

Senators Roberts and Simpson, primary bill sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1222 which establishes requirements for pharmacy benefit managers who engage with rural independent pharmacies and modifies rules pertaining to certain prescription drug outlets. A handout was provided to the committee (Attachment H).

Dr. Michael Scruggs, representing Front Range Pharmacy, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Chris Holmes, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Kristin Holmes, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Selena Owen, representing RxPlus Pharmacy and Gem Pharmacy, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Kevin McFatridge, representing Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified to amend the bill. Angie Howes, representing Colorado Retail Council, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Patrick Boyle, representing Pharmacy Care Management Association, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Sarah Werner, representing Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, was available to answer committee questions.

Senator Roberts explained amendment L.016 (Attachment I).

Senator Roberts explained amendment L.017 (Attachment J).

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.

Senators Mullica and Kirkmeyer, primary bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 25-290 which creates the Provider Stabilization Fund and transfers interest earnings from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund into it.

Ms. Adriana Hidalgo, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Ross Brooks, representing Colorado Community Health Network, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Jeff Tieman, representing Colorado Hospital Association, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Bethany Pray, representing Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill. Wendy Buxton-Andrade, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Hillary Jorgensen, representing Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Kelly Erb Zager, representing Colorado Rural Health Center, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Kiara Kuenzler, representing Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council/Jefferson Center for Mental Health, testified in support of the bill.

Leah Marvin-Riley, representing Colorado Department of Treasury, testified to amend the bill.

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.