Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Monday, Nov. 2, presented his eighth and final state budget proposal. It would limit the growth of Medicaid spending and eliminate some health benefits.
The proposal was sent Sunday as a letter to the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee. On Monday, the governor discussed it at a press conference. The plan calls for general fund spending of $18.9 billion, or 2.6% more than in the current budget.
Polis wants Medicaid spending to grow no faster than 4.3%, a pace close to inflation. According to Sentinel Colorado, the proposal includes nearly 30 cuts and other measures. They would yield savings of $988 million in total spending, including about $290 million in the general fund. At the same time, the proposal provides $250 million more from the general fund for the department responsible for Medicaid.
The benefits being eliminated include dental care for adults, home physical therapy and occupational therapy, and the Cover All Coloradans program. It provides health insurance to children and pregnant women without legal residency status. The plan also calls for a prior authorization requirement for some behavioral health services.
The governor rejects claims that the budget cuts health care. “Let no one say that this budget in any way cuts health care funding,” Polis said. He argues that spending will grow by more than $800 million. He says that, without changes, Medicaid will crowd out other spending, including on education.
Health organizations are criticizing the proposal. Adam Fox of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative said in a statement that the cuts threaten the health of the state’s most vulnerable residents. Critics also point out that Polis opposes Amendment 87, which would raise taxes on the wealthy. Supporters of that measure see it as an alternative to the cuts.
Polis will not carry out the budget because his term is ending. Voters will choose his successor on Tuesday. The governor will present a revision of the proposal in January, and the new governor will take over further work. The proposal is a starting point for the Joint Budget Committee, and the budget bill usually goes to a vote of the full legislature at the end of March.
Source: Denver Post
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