Senate Passes Bills to Support Health of Vulnerable Coloradans

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate passed two critical bills to support the health of vulnerable Coloradans, including those struggling with opioid addiction or Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

HB20-1061 HIV Prevention Medications, sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno works to improve access to lifesaving medications by allowing pharmacists to dispense both PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) without a prescription from a physician. 

“HIV is a devastating diagnosis for anyone, but it is particularly difficult for vulnerable populations and low-income communities,” said Sen. Moreno, D-Commerce City. “This bill will provide relief to those who struggle with getting the medication they need to both prevent infection and treat it.”

SB20-007 Treatment Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders, sponsored by Senators Brittany Pettersen and Faith Winter, aims to increase access to treatment by requiring insurance carriers to provide coverage for the treatment of substance use disorders, as well as eliminate deductibles, copays, or other cost-sharing requirements for certain medication.

“Corrupt pharmaceutical corporations have caused opioid addiction to balloon in this country,” said Sen. Winter, D-Westminster. “We need to recognize that the irresponsibility of the medical industry has destroyed countless lives by the careless over-prescription of highly addictive substances, and ensure that people who are suffering from these addictions receive the treatment they need.”