DENVER, COLO. – April 8, 2026

The Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) welcomes the new Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing, Gretchen Hammer. We look forward to working closely with Executive Director Hammer to stabilize Medicaid and HCPF and chart a path forward that prioritizes well-informed, collaborative solutions for Colorado patients and the providers that deliver their care.

This appointment, which was unanimously approved by the Senate Health and Human Service Committee,  comes at a crucial time – as Colorado’s already fragile health care ecosystem faces state budget cuts and federal reductions that threaten Medicaid coverage and access to care. A healthy state requires a healthy Medicaid program. For the many Coloradans who rely on Medicaid, the stability and sustainability of this vital program requires an effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable state Medicaid agency.

CHA and our member hospitals and health systems stand ready to partner with Executive Director Hammer and the staff at HCPF to tackle these challenges and build a better future for Colorado’s Medicaid program.

About Colorado Hospital Association

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. Learn more at www.cha.com.

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