Colorado Medicaid: Stay Informed and Make Your Voice Heard

As Colorado navigates Medicaid rate changes and a challenging state budget outlook, occupational therapy providers have opportunities to stay informed, share their experiences, and participate in the public process.

A Challenging Budget Outlook

Colorado’s September budget forecast projects a potential $1.6 billion shortfall for FY 2027–28, with increasing Medicaid expenditures identified as one contributor to the state’s budget pressures. Other factors include limits on state revenue, the expiration of federal pandemic funding, rising Medicaid costs, and uncertainty surrounding federal funding.

For OT providers, this broader fiscal environment could make it more difficult to fund new initiatives, expand programs, or increase provider rates. OTAC’s legislative partners have encouraged continued attention to Medicaid spending and the possibility of future provider-rate reductions or other Medicaid changes.

The December revenue forecast will provide an updated picture ahead of the 2027 legislative session. OTAC’s Legislative Committee will continue monitoring developments and sharing opportunities for education and advocacy as they arise.

Make Your Voice Heard

Providers can share firsthand experiences with state policymakers through public testimony at meetings of the Colorado Commission on Medicaid. Public comment is available at the end of meetings, with speakers given two minutes.

Consider using this opportunity to:

• Share how Medicaid changes are affecting your practice and the clients you serve.

• Provide specific examples or data.

• Explain challenges related to access, reimbursement, staffing, or service delivery.

• Add your perspective to the public record.

Review meeting schedules and public-comment information in advance and prepare remarks that fit within the two-minute timeframe.

Find meeting schedules and materials:
Colorado Commission on Medicaid meeting information

Stay Connected to Colorado Medicaid

Several Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) resources can help providers stay informed:

• Provider News: Subscribe for ongoing updates on Medicaid policies, programs, and provider issues.
  HCPF Provider News

• Medical Services Board: The Board adopts rules governing HCPF programs and receives stakeholder input.
  Medical Services Board

• Legislator Resource Center: HCPF Legislator Resource Center

• Budget Information: The Governor submits a proposed state budget to the legislature each year, including department-specific requests.
  Colorado Office of State Planning and Budgeting

• Billing Manuals: Health First Colorado billing manuals provide guidance for submitting claims and understanding covered services, member eligibility, and billing procedures.
  HCPF Billing Manuals

A Message for OT Providers

No immediate action is being requested of OTAC members at this time. However, staying informed now will help providers be prepared to respond when advocacy opportunities arise.

Your firsthand experience matters. By sharing accurate information about how Medicaid policies and reimbursement affect occupational therapy providers and the clients they serve, you can help inform policymakers as Colorado navigates the next budget cycle.