Denver, Colorado – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bipartisan bills that will help Coloradans save on prescription drug costs and fund housing and nutrition services for Medicaid recipients.
SB24-110The bill, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez (D-Denver), Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-Weld County), and Reps. Judy Amabile (D-Boulder) and Emily Sirota (D-Denver), would prohibit the Colorado Department of Health Policy and Financing from requiring prior approval for prescriptions of antipsychotic medications used to treat mental illnesses and disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
“The two bills signed today will make life more affordable for the Denver families I represent.” Rodriguez said. “SB-110 removes the barrier of prior authorization requirements, ensuring more Coloradans have access to the prescription antipsychotic medications they need to live, while HB-1322 redirects Medicaid funds toward housing and nutrition programs. These pieces of legislation will help Coloradans, especially those in historically marginalized communities.”
“Approval requirements for antipsychotics may force patients to skimp on prescriptions or skip doses altogether, making recovery more difficult.” Amabile said. “This legislation will eliminate unnecessary approval requirements for some antipsychotic medications, ensuring Coloradans living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and other mental illnesses can get the medication they need when they need it.”
“Many Coloradans with serious mental illnesses are unable to get certain prescription medications when they need them because of prior authorization requirements.” Sirota says: “This legislation will remove barriers, improve access, and ensure Coloradans get their antipsychotic prescriptions filled on time.”
HB24-1322introduced by Reps. Shannon Byrd (D-Westminster) and Kyle Brown (D-Louisville), along with Reps. Rodriguez and Kirkmeyer, would lay the groundwork for reallocating federal Medicaid funds to help Colorado families access nutritious food options and have housing. The bill would create a path to reallocate Medicaid funds to services that address the health-related social needs of Coloradans who already rely on the federal Medicaid program.
“This legislation brings us one step closer to securing additional federal funding to strengthen communities, including rental assistance, food stockpiles, and nutritional supports.” Bird said. “Everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food and a place to live, and this legislation will help and empower our most vulnerable neighbors, like young people transitioning out of the foster care system and seniors seeking nutrition assistance.”
“Leveraging federal funding for nutrition and housing assistance will help Colorado meet the diverse needs of families across our state.” Brown says.“This legislation allows Colorado to use Medicaid funds for housing and nutrition programs for existing Medicaid patients, helping those who need help paying rent or putting money on the table. This legislation leverages federal funding to save Coloradans money and ensure our most vulnerable neighbors can thrive.”
The new law directs the Colorado Department of Health Policy and Financing to conduct a feasibility study and apply for an 1115 waiver to allow Medicaid to fund housing and nutrition services. The feasibility study will determine how Medicaid could pay for certain nutrition-based services, such as meals and food stockpiles based on medical considerations, as well as assistance with temporary housing, rent and utility assistance, eviction prevention, and tenant support.
Leveraging funds already spent on housing and nutritional support services through the 1115 Medicaid waiver gives Colorado access to federal funding and flexibility to design and improve the Medicaid program to meet the needs of Coloradans, while also helping the state save local and state resources.
This cost-neutral model for redirecting Medicaid funds to housing and nutrition assistance has been used effectively in more than 15 states across the country, including Arkansas, California, New Jersey, and North Carolina.
