Creating Change
As a program within AdvocacyDenver, the Health Care Advocacy Program has a strong familiarity of the health care issues that face individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) residing in Colorado. Through continuing individual advocacy and research, the Health Care Advocacy Program is able to offer decision makers valuable education and provide comprehensive solutions to increasing access to quality health care for individuals with I/DD. As a population that experiences particular vulnerability towards poverty, many of recommendations provided by the program bear positive impact towards other disenfranchised groups living in Colorado.
The program oftentimes refers to these policy resources to support its activities. In addition, the program relies on numerous reliable news sources. Each week, the program distributes the online Health Care Advocacy News to communicate important health care policy news, program news, action alerts, and audio interviews with state decision makers involved with health care policy change. Sign up for the Health Care Advocacy News today.
Speaking with Community Leaders
The Health Care Advocacy Program and Outreach Coordinator, Catherine Strode, MPA, conducts interviews with key community leaders and decision-makers to bring you up-to-date information on important health care legislation and systemic change. The program’s blog offers transcriptions and audio clips of these interviews.  For any comments or questions regarding these interviews please contact Catherine Strode at cstrode@advocacydenver.org.
At the Capitol
Policy advocacy is conducted through partnerships and strategic planning. With the organization’s office conveniently located a few blocks away from the Colorado state Capitol you will always know where to find our program coordinator during the legislative session! To keep you informed about the hot health care policy issues that could potentially impact individuals with I/DD we update the health care policy dossier below weekly while the Colorado legislature is in session. If you have any questions or comments regarding these dossiers please contact Catherine Strode, Health Care Advocacy Program and Outreach Coordinator, at cstrode@advocacydenver.org.
Health Care Legislation Audio Updates (Updated April 26, 2012)
To hear a summary of each bill click on the bill number.
Health Care Bills Introduced in the House
HB 1052 by Rep. Summers and Sen. Boyd: Health Care Work Force Data Collection – Passed Third Reading in the House: Passed Third Reading in the Senate; House Consideration of Senate Amendments
HB 1054 by Rep. Fields: Simplify Procurement DHCPF Health Care Providers – Signed by the Governor
HB 1071 by Rep. Liston: Portable Electronics Insurance – Signed by the Governor
HB 1085 by Rep. Fields: Hearsay Exception for Developmentally Disabled – Signed by the Governor
HB 1177 by Rep. Gerou and Sen. Hodge: Developmental Disabilities Home Care Allowance Grant Program – Signed by the Governor
HB 1226 by Rep. Barker and Sen. Aguilar: Surcharge on Crimes Against At-Risk Persons – Passed third Reading in the House; Passed Senate Finance Committee: Referred to Appropriations
HB 1268 by Rep. Acree: Health Facility Safety Inspection Transfer to CDPS – Referred to House Committee of the Whole
HB 1281 by Rep. Young: Medicaid Payment Reform Pilot Program – Passed Third Reading in the House; Referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee
HB 1294 by Rep. Liston: CDPHE Authority Health Care Facilities – Passed Third Reading in the House; Passed Senate Committee on Business, Labor and Technology; Referred to Appropriations
Health Care Bills Introduced in the Senate
SB-023 by Sen. Boyd: Improve Eligible Persons access to PACE Program – Signed by the Governor
SB-037 by Rep. Young: Electronic Prescription Controlled Substances – Signed by the Governor
SB-060 by Sen. Roberts: Improve Medicaid Fraud Prosecution – Sent to the Governor
SB-074 by Sen. Aguilar and Rep. Gardner: Consumer-Directed Care Designee Service Provider –Signed by the Governor
SB-127Â by Sen. Newell and Rep. Summers: Medicaid Health Homes Long-term Care Providers – Signed by the Governor
SB-134 by Sen. Aguilar: Hospital Payment Assistance Program – Sent to the Governor