Colorado health officials unveil plan to soften impact of federal cuts to Medicaid

Colorado’s health officials on Tuesday unveiled a plan to tackle changes to Medicaid outlined in a congressional budget — with the goal of avoiding “draconian” cuts to the health program.

Ultimately, a big part of that strategy is to reduce the demand for Medicaid in the long term, officials said.

Signed into law on July 4, H.R. 1 makes significant overhauls of the Medicaid program since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. Key changes include new work requirements for able-bodied enrollees ages 19-64, more frequent eligibility redeterminations and freezes provider tax programs and bars any new taxes.

Executive Director Kim Bimestefer, the health agency’s chief, said Colorado plans to maximize its federal funding by applying for additional grants, such as the newly establishe