DENVER ~ As Congress debates potential cuts to Medicaid that could result in the loss of health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of Coloradans, Governor Jared Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera are urging Colorado's federal delegation to protect this critical funding.

In a letter addressed to Colorado's representatives in Congress, Gov. Polis and Lt. Gov. Primavera expressed their strong opposition to the proposed cuts, stating that they would have devastating consequences for the state's residents.

"Children, hardworking individuals, people with disabilities, seniors, and safety net providers are not political pawns or talking points," the letter read. "These cuts would mean losing access to lifesaving care with devastating consequences."

The state leaders also emphasized that these cuts would not only affect those directly enrolled in Medicaid, but also have a ripple effect on the entire healthcare system. They warned that it could lead to job losses, a decrease in state GDP by $1.3 billion, and a loss of $82 million in state and local tax dollars by 2026.

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Furthermore, rural and working-class areas of the state would be hit the hardest if these cuts were enacted.

According to data provided by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF), each congressional district in Colorado has a significant number of residents enrolled in Medicaid.

In Congressional District 1 (CD1), which includes Denver and its surrounding areas, 29.32% of the population is enrolled in Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program). This translates to an average of 211,721 members enrolled per month.

In CD2, which covers parts of Boulder and Fort Collins, 16.02% of the population is enrolled in Health First Colorado with an average monthly enrollment of 115,634 members.

CD3 has the highest percentage of Medicaid enrollment at 31.21%, covering areas such as Grand Junction and Pueblo. The average monthly enrollment in this district is 228,019 members.

In CD4, which includes the eastern plains and parts of the Front Range, 15.61% of the population is enrolled in Health First Colorado with an average monthly enrollment of 119,814 members.

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CD5, which covers Colorado Springs and its surrounding areas, has 24.23% of its population enrolled in Medicaid with an average monthly enrollment of 178,644 members.

In CD6, which includes parts of Denver and Aurora, 24.21% of the population is enrolled in Health First Colorado with an average monthly enrollment of 176,847 members.

CD7 has 17.74% of its population enrolled in Medicaid and covers areas such as Lakewood and Arvada. The average monthly enrollment in this district is 128,990 members.

Lastly, CD8 has the second-highest percentage of Medicaid enrollment at 28.93%, covering areas such as Greeley and Loveland. The average monthly enrollment in this district is 214,218 members.

The full letter from Gov. Polis and Lt. Gov. Primavera can be read on the HCPF website.

As Congress continues to deliberate on potential cuts to Medicaid funding, it remains to be seen whether Colorado's federal delegation will heed the call from their state leaders to protect this critical program that provides essential health care coverage for thousands of Coloradans.

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