Colorado Dems Introduce Historic Package to Secure Safe Access to Protected Health Care
On Thursday Colorado Democratic lawmakers introduced a historic package of bills (known as the Safe Access to Protected Health Care bills) that they believe will allow all Coloradans safe access to the essential and affirming health care they need to thrive. The bills will protect patients and providers, prohibit deceptive practices by anti-abortion centers, and ensure critical care remains affordable and accessible. Notably, the package of bills were introduced and sponsored by women legislators, with a primary benefit for women.
The dome of the Colorado State Capitol. Photo by The Colorado Independent
“The Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade unleashed a wave of anti-abortion legislation across the country, which puts critical reproductive care for too many of our neighbors out of reach,” said Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver. “I am proud to be part of the coalition championing the Safe Access to Protected Health Care package.”
“The bills we are introducing today will protect the rights and privacy of patients and providers who seek abortion or gender-affirming care, prohibit deliberate health care misinformation in our communities, and make it easier and more affordable for folks to access the health care they need to thrive,” she added.
Safe Access to Protected Health Care bills introduced Thursday include:
Protecting Health Care Patients, Providers, and Assistors
Sponsored by Sens. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Sonya Jaquez Lewis, D-Longmont, and Reps. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, and Brianna Titone, D-Arvada, this bill establishes that criminal prosecutions for receiving, providing, or assisting legally-protected health care – including abortion and gender-affirming care – will not be recognized by the state of Colorado.
It also prevents Colorado from recognizing or enforcing civil lawsuits concerning protected health care that are penal in nature or without jurisdiction and prevents Colorado state employees from participating in or assisting with interstate investigations or divulging information concerning protected health care.
Increasing Access to Reproductive Health Care Services
Sponsored by Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, Sen. Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County, Reps. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, and Lorena Garcia, D-Unincorporated Adams County, this bill works in several ways to close gaps in accessing reproductive health care, including abortion. It would limit surprise medical billing and remove patient cost sharing for reproductive health care services and treatment, including but not limited to sterilization, sexually transmitted infections, and abortion care.
The bill also expands access to contraception and related information for all Coloradans by modernizing a 1971 law and aligning it with Colorado’s Public Health code.
It also makes it possible for patients to utilize Medicaid’s non-emergent medical transportation service to get to and from their abortion services, further breaking down accessibility barriers faced by many Colorado Medicaid patients.
Patients’ Privacy and Confidentiality
Finally, in order to protect patient’s privacy and confidentiality on shared insurance coverage, this bill further creates a state fund that providers can bill directly for their patient’s reproductive health care services. It also prioritizes access to life-saving HIV medication by cutting red tape to allow any authorized provider, not only pharmacists, to offer the treatment.
“Everyone should be able to seek life-saving reproductive and affirming care without interference or shame – it is a fundamental expression of the American values of freedom, privacy, and self-determination that we all hold dear,” said Senator Janice Marchman, D-Longmont. “These bills represent an important step forward in our goal to keep abortion safe, transparent, and accessible in Colorado, and will help improve the health and well-being of communities across our state.”
“Abortion is legal in Colorado but legality does not equal accessibility, said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver. “Lower income communities and Coloradans of color face larger barriers and a disproportionate lack of access to protected health care.”
“Today, we’re rolling out a historic reproductive health care package that will help break down systemic barriers that have made it harder for people of color in Colorado to receive the care they need,” she added. “I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will improve access to health care, protect patients and providers, and stop the spread of dangerous anti-abortion misinformation to secure reproductive justice for all.”
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