"Unraveling the Challenges of Anticipated Healthcare Changes in Denver"

Panel Discussion Highlights

Donna Lynne, the CEO of Denver Health, hosted a panel at the Rita Bass Auditorium. The panel consisted of four esteemed panelists: Kim Warner, MD. from the Colorado Medical Society, Jeff Tieman from the Colorado Hospital Association, Ross Brooks from the Colorado Community Health Network, and Rep. Kyle Brown representing Colorado District 12.

The panelists unanimously agreed that it is crucial to collaborate with the entire healthcare and business sector in the state. As the state begins to anticipate different programs that may be affected by a new presidential administration, such as Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and immigrant and LGBTQ+ healthcare rights, coordinated efforts are essential.

Federal Implications

One panelist emphasized that "we’re in for a bumpy ride" on a federal level. It is noteworthy that more than half of the state’s Medicaid budget comes from the federal government. When the Affordable Care Act was passed, the federal government initially covered 90%, with the state only contributing 10%. However, the concern around the unwind is that if the state were to return to a 50% contribution for a certain group of people, it would create a significant budget shortfall for the state.

Lynne expressed her excitement about ballot measure 2Q, which passed early last month. This measure will generate an additional $70 million annually for the healthcare system, providing much-needed support.

Statewide Concerns

Despite the positive developments, there are also concerns across the state. One major issue is the increasing number of uninsured Colorado residents. Last year, 75,000 uninsured patients visited the hospital, leaving Denver Health with millions of dollars in unpaid bills. As Lynne stated, "When they’re uninsured and they come into a hospital, they don’t pay their bills. So for Denver Health alone in 2024, that’s been over $100 million of uncompensated care that we have to absorb."

Another significant concern is the physician shortage in the state. Physicians are not entering the profession, and many are leaving. This shortage affects not only physicians but also nurses and other healthcare providers. The lack of a sufficient healthcare workforce poses a challenge to delivering quality care.