Colorado Senate adopts bill to restore Planned Parenthood as Medicaid provider

In a pivotal moment during the Colorado Senate's 2025 1st Extraordinary Session, lawmakers adopted a crucial Health and Human Services (HHS) report aimed at restoring Medicaid services to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. This decision comes in the wake of a controversial federal move that stripped Planned Parenthood of its Medicaid provider status, a change that Senator Bridges described as politically motivated and detrimental to healthcare access for many Coloradans.

Senator Bridges emphasized the essential role of Planned Parenthood in Colorado's healthcare system, noting that the organization provides over 55,000 visits annually, particularly serving rural communities where it is often the only accessible provider for primary and family planning services. "This bill is about restoring services to the people of Colorado," Bridges stated, clarifying that it does not fund abortion care but focuses on vital health services.

Senator Doherty echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgency of stabilizing the current healthcare landscape amid ongoing federal lawsuits that could impact patient access. He warned that without Planned Parenthood's inclusion in the Medicaid network, significant delays in care could arise, adversely affecting those who rely on these services.

The session also saw discussions around transparency in funding, with an amendment proposed to require the state to publish details of reimbursements to prohibited entities. However, this amendment faced opposition due to concerns over privacy and potential risks.

As the session progressed, lawmakers grappled with the implications of federal funding and the political activities of organizations like Planned Parenthood. Senator Frizzell raised concerns about taxpayer dollars being used to support political activities, questioning the appropriateness of government funding for such purposes.

Despite the contentious debates, the Senate ultimately moved forward with the bill, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring access to essential healthcare services for Coloradans. The decision marks a significant step in addressing the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations in the state, with lawmakers pledging to monitor the situation closely as federal legal challenges unfold.