Colorado Expands Abortion Access and Preventative Care

A recent legislative session allowed for Colorado to take steps toward the expansion of abortion access and preventative care services. This is in direct opposition to the many anti-abortion and restrictive reproductive rights laws and legislation that have recently made their way across the country. This legislation would allow for anyone who is a survivor of sexual assault and uses Medicaid instead of a private insurance access to abortion care.

Before SB 21-142, “Health Care Access in Cases of Rape or Incest,” was signed by Governor Polis, Medicaid patients in Colorado had to overcome more obstacles than those who had private insurance. An outdated, legal restriction required Medicaid patients to travel to to the Denver metro area and receive care at one facility. This restriction did not take into account where in Colorado the patient lived, resulting in many patients having to plan a day-long drive or book a plane ticket.

This new law allows for Medicaid patients to receive abortion care in their own communities instead of having to travel to a single location in Denver. It will also ensure that patients who are unable to travel for any number of reasons will be able to receive the care that they need.

Additionally, Colorado increased access to preventative care and health services such as lung and blood pressure screenings, coverage for birth control, as well as sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment. These are made available through SB21-016 “Protecting Preventative Health Care Coverage,” which was recently signed into law. As established by the Affordable Care Act, these services will be provided without copay as a way to reduce surprise billing.

These new bills will help increase the health and wellness of Coloradans, regardless of where in Colorado they may live. They will also allow for more Coloradans to have access to preventative care and avoid serious health problems down the line.