Colorado bill allows access to direct primary medical care

(The Center Square) – The Colorado Senate Health and Human Services Committee is postponing consideration of a bill to allow Medicaid recipients to choose “direct primary” care.

Members voted 4-3 Thursday to delay action indefinitely on the House Bill 26-1096, the CO Medicaid Access to Primary Care Services bill, after public speakers told the committee they liked the legislation, but said some issues needed to be addressed. In February, the bill passed in the Colorado House by a vote of 40-22.

The bill is designed to remove barriers in Colorado that prevent Medicaid members from accessing primary care providers.

Direct primary care is an alternative form of care that does not accept insurance, including Medicaid, but it allows customers to pay a set monthly fee for access and appointments. Direct primary care is often conducted in smaller facil...