Bill to extend Medicaid, child health coverage heads to Polis' desk

DENVER (KDVR) — A pandemic-era rule that banned states from kicking people off of Medicaid is over. Now, Colorado lawmakers are looking to extend the benefit for young children and people who just left prison.

A bipartisan bill headed to Gov. Jared Polis' desk would extend the so-called "continuous coverage requirement" for children 3 years and younger for another two years. For people who recently finished a prison sentence, it would be extended for another year.

"This bill will ensure that some of Colorado’s most vulnerable populations can continue to access quality health care coverage," bill sponsor Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, D-Adams and Jefferson, said in a statement. "By extending the programs covered by this measure, we are improving public health and building equity in our health care system so that more Coloradans can access the care they need to thrive."

House Bill 1300 cleared the Senate on Monday with a 31-3 vote and now awaits the governor's signature.