Senate adopts bill to keep insurer coverage of preventive services if federal guidance changes

Senate Bill 196 — a measure to preserve access to preventive health services if federal guidance changes — passed the Colorado Senate on April 7, 2025 after several floor amendments and extended debate over the scope of the insurance commissioner’s authority.

Sponsor Senator Judah described the bill as “quite simple,” saying it is intended to "ensure that Coloradans continue to access preventative services to keep them healthy regardless of what may happen at the federal level." Judah cited the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as the national expert bodies whose recommendations the bill references.

Lawmakers debated multiple amendments that would limit or expand the commissioner’s rulemaking power. Amendment L006, which added language to exempt HSAs when necessary to maintain federal status and required the Nurse Physician Advisory Task Force to consult clinical experts and insurers when making recommendations, was adopted. Other amendments that would have restricted the commissioner to stay aligned with federal recommendations (L003) or eliminated the commissioner’s authority to adopt enforcement rules (L002) were lost on floor votes. Supporters said the bill prepares Colorado in case federal protections are removed; opponents warned the measure could freeze standards, expand unelected rulemaking power, and raise insurance costs.

After debate the Senate adopted the bill. The chair announced, "The ayes have it and Senate Bill 196 is adopted." The chamber did not record a numeric roll call on final passage in the transcript segment.

Ending: The bill, as amended on the floor, will advance in the legislative process for final enactment consideration and any implementing rulemaking.