Senate committee sends bill codifying gender‑affirming care coverage and PDMP change to Committee of the Whole after heated testimony

The Senate Health & Human Services Committee voted to advance House Bill 13‑09 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation after an extensive public testimony session featuring more than 20 witnesses both supporting and opposing the measure.

Sponsors described the bill as codifying existing insurance coverage for gender‑affirming care in Colorado and exempting testosterone from the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). Senator Sundar Gonzalez (sponsor text rendered in transcript as “Senator Gonzales”) and Senate co‑sponsor Cinder Cutter told the committee the bill “protects what already exists,” enabling coverage and privacy protections that supporters said are needed because rules can be changed by administrative action. Senator Cutter said the bill “removes testosterone from the prescription drug monitoring program, which has been misused by, in other states in order to target providers and patients.”

Proponents included physicians, researchers and LGBTQ advocacy leaders who testified that gender‑affirming care is supported by major medical associations and that blocking access or including testosterone in PDMPs would jeopardize patient privacy and access. Clinicians and advocates cited peer‑reviewed literature and position statements from major organizations; one witness referenced a May 1, 2025 Department of Health and Human Services umbrella report criticizing pediatric transition care (witnesses on both sides referenced that report during questioning).

Opponents, including physicians, self‑identified detransitioners and conservative advocacy groups, testified about risks they associate with puberty blockers, cross‑sex hormones and surgeries and raised concerns about age limits, long‑term effects and insurer cost. Witnesses opposing the bill cited international reviews and urged caution for minors.

Committee members allowed two minutes per witness due to the number of people signed up. After two hours of straight testimony and questions, the sponsors offered an amendment (L13) to clarify that the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise at the Division of Insurance may expend donated funds to support compliance and access work. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to send the bill to the Committee of the Whole. The roll call recorded a 6‑3 vote in favor.

The bill’s key provisions as discussed in the hearing would: codify insurer coverage for gender‑affirming services (the sponsors said it follows rules already required by the Division of Insurance), and remove testosterone from mandatory reporting in the PDMP. Supporters framed the change as preserving provider‑patient confidentiality and ensuring continuity of care; opponents argued the bill lacks adequate safeguards for minors and could raise insurer costs.

The committee’s vote moves the bill to the next stage; further debate and potential amendments are expected on the Committee of the Whole and floor.