Senate Approves Kolker’s Bipartisan Bill to Increase Access to Behavioral Health Services for Colorado Youth

Legislation would expand access to certain behavioral health services for Medicaid members under the age of 21

DENVER, CO – Senator Chris Kolker’s, D-Centennial, bipartisan bill to require coverage for critical mental health services for Colorado youth passed the Senate today.

Cosponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, SB23-174 would require coverage for therapy, prevention and education services, case management, and evaluation and treatment planning services for Medicaid members who are under the age of 21.

“In recent years, we have unfortunately seen Colorado’s youth mental health crisis get worse and worse,” said Kolker. “This year, the legislature is taking a number of steps to ensure our youth are supported and have access to the life-saving mental health services they need, no matter their zip code or family’s income. Senate Bill 174 ensures young recipients of Medicaid have the same access to critical care that their peers do, including therapy, treatment planning, and more.”

In 2021, Children’s Hospital Colorado declared a youth mental health emergency, and the following year stated that conditions had worsened. Furthermore, in 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a survey showing that 44 percent of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless during the past year.

SB23-174 now heads to the House for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.