Senate Bill Threatens Colorado Medicaid, Fuels Political Battle

Medicaid Cuts Draw Ire in Colorado

Colorado Democrats and healthcare advocates are sounding the alarm over the latest version of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” The bill, which passed the U.S. Senate, includes substantial cuts to Medicaid, a move they strongly condemn.

The legislation, championed by Donald Trump, extends his 2017 tax cuts and boosts spending on immigration enforcement and defense. However, it also rolls back clean energy subsidies established under the previous administration.

To offset costs, the bill drastically cuts social programs, including Medicaid. The Senate version presents deeper cuts than those initially passed by the House. These reductions could lead to nearly $1 trillion in reduced spending over the next decade.

“Everyone’s access to care will worsen as clinics and hospitals reduce services or close completely, and this will hit rural communities the hardest,” said Adam Fox, deputy director for the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.

“Under this devastating bill that cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid alone, hundreds of thousands of Coloradans will lose health coverage,” Fox continued. “Coloradans will become sicker without healthcare, and will include those fighting cancer, older adults in nursing homes, people living with disabilities, veterans, children, low and moderate-income families, and small businesses/entrepreneurs.”

—Adam Fox, Deputy Director, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

The bill’s Medicaid cuts have sparked controversy. Some Republican senators, such as Susan Collins and Thom Tillis, voted against it, citing concerns for low-income individuals and hospitals in their states. Another, Rand Paul, opposed it due to worries about the national debt, which is projected to increase by over $3 trillion. As of 2023, Medicaid covers over 85 million Americans, demonstrating the program’s extensive reach (CMS Report).

Political Division and Future Steps

The Senate vote resulted in a 50-50 tie. Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote to pass the bill. The legislation now goes back to the House for final approval, requiring a new vote.

Colorado Democrats, including Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, voted against the bill. Adam Fox urged Colorado’s House Republicans to stop the bill to safeguard the residents and communities of Colorado.

Some House Republicans have expressed concerns regarding the Senate version, potentially leading to opposition. Freshmen Representative Jeff Hurd and other House Republicans have already signed a letter expressing their concerns.

The Governor of Colorado, Jared Polis, urged the House to “do their part” to protect Americans. Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, along with other Democratic leaders, sent a letter urging Hurd and other Colorado representatives to oppose the bill.

They warned that the Medicaid cuts alone would cost Colorado $1 billion. Additional cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would further harm the state’s finances.

The state leaders detailed potential measures to mitigate funding losses, including property tax exemptions, higher education tuition adjustments, and tax credit reductions.