Colorado lawmakers seek state funds to support Planned Parenthood after Medicaid cuts

The Colorado State Legislature's House Health & Human Services Committee convened on August 22, 2025, to discuss critical healthcare funding issues stemming from the recent federal legislation, HR 1, which removed Planned Parenthood from the federal Medicaid program. This decision has had immediate and severe repercussions for healthcare access in Colorado, particularly affecting Medicaid patients who rely on Planned Parenthood for essential services.

Following the passage of HR 1 on July 4, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains was forced to cancel 91 patient appointments within days, leading to significant disruptions in care. Although a temporary restraining order was issued on July 7, it was not until July 16 that services were partially restored. However, further cancellations occurred after the order expired, highlighting the ongoing instability in healthcare access for many Coloradans.

During the meeting, legislators emphasized the importance of Planned Parenthood as a vital component of Colorado's healthcare system, noting that the organization provides over 55,000 visits annually. Statistics revealed that a significant portion of women, particularly those from marginalized communities, depend on Planned Parenthood for reproductive health services. Notably, 88% of Democrats and 64% of Republicans oppose cuts to Planned Parenthood funding, indicating broad bipartisan support for the organization.

To address the funding gap created by HR 1, legislators proposed a bill that would authorize the use of state funds to reimburse Planned Parenthood for services provided to Medicaid patients. This measure aims to ensure continuity of care for over 11,000 Coloradans who may otherwise be left without access to necessary healthcare services. The bill specifically targets nonprofit healthcare providers that primarily offer family planning and reproductive health services, which have been disproportionately affected by the federal changes.

The committee discussed the logistics of identifying which entities would be eligible for state funding, clarifying that Planned Parenthood is currently the only organization classified as a "banned provider" under HR 1. Legislators expressed a commitment to finding solutions that prioritize healthcare access over political divisions, emphasizing the need for a stable funding mechanism to support essential services.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the situation was clear. Lawmakers recognized that without immediate action, entire communities could face a healthcare crisis, particularly in areas where Planned Parenthood is the sole provider of reproductive health services. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward restoring access to care for vulnerable populations in Colorado.