Colorado Hospital Association Statement on Substance Abuse Disorders Coverage Bill

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. – May 4, 2018

Colorado Hospital Association and its member hospitals and health systems would like to thank Senators Cheri Jahn and Kevin Priola and Representative Brittany Pettersen, for their leadership in sponsoring House Bill 18-1136. This landmark legislation, which passed the Senate unanimously on third reading this morning will close a gap in coverage for Coloradans long-struggling with substance abuse disorders. As a result, individuals insured by Medicaid will have consistent coverage of physical and behavioral health conditions for the first time.

Today’s vote is a fitting tribute to Sen. Jahn’s 16 years of service in the Colorado legislature where she has tirelessly advocated for the people of Colorado.

None of this would have been possible without the determined advocacy of Rep. Pettersen who has made battling the opioid epidemic the cornerstone of her work in the General Assembly this year.

 

About the Colorado Hospital Association

The Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) is the leading voice of Colorado’s hospital and health system community. Representing more than 100 member hospitals and health systems throughout the state, CHA serves as a trusted, credible and reliable resource on health issues, hospital data and trends for its members, media, policymakers and the general public. Through CHA, Colorado’s hospitals and health systems work together in their shared commitment to improve health and health care in Colorado.