Legislation to Save Coloradans Money on Preventive Health Care, Prescription Drugs Passes Committee

Bills would ensure free breast cancer screenings and reduce barriers to changing dose or frequency of a medication

DENVER, CO – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee today passed legislation to save Coloradans money on health care by ensuring free breast cancer examinations and streamlining providers’ ability to change dosage or frequency of medications.

In 2019, the legislature passed HB19-1301 to establish no-cost coverage for preventive breast exams. SB25-296, sponsored by Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet, D-Commerce City, would build on existing law to ensure that follow-up diagnostic and supplemental exams are covered at no cost. The bill would also relocate and clarify existing statute to make high-risk breast cancer screening requirements clearer for providers, insurers, and patients. 

“As someone who has walked the path of breast cancer, I know that access to free preventive screenings saves lives,” said Michaelson Jenet. “Existing Colorado law already ensures that breast cancer prevention screenings are covered by insurance at no cost to the patient. SB25-296 clarifies existing law to ensure that follow-up and diagnostic examinations are covered at no cost so that the people at highest risk can access the care they need to get answers and move forward.” 

SB25-301, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, would prohibit insurance companies from imposing prior authorization requirements to adjust the dose or frequency of medication already being used by a patient for a chronic condition. Providers could make such adjustments up to two times without prior authorization. 

“SB25-301 would increase affordable, consistent access to the medication Coloradans with chronic illnesses rely on by allowing a health care provider to adjust the dose of a medication without needing to go through additional, lengthy insurance authorization processes,” said Wallace. “Colorado’s health care providers know what’s best for their patients, not insurance companies. This bill gives providers the flexibility to respond to their patients’ needs without fear of losing insurance coverage for necessary adjustments.”

In 2015, 3.1 million Coloradans had at least one chronic disease. Many chronic diseases may require adjustment of medication doses to effectively treat the illness. This bill would reduce administrative burdens and accelerate access to timely, appropriate care. 

Both bills now head to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track their progress: SB25-296, SB25-301.