FD9FC32272512C3087258773006A4F45 Hearing Summary

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For COVID-19 AND HEALTH DISPARITIES

INTERIM COMMITTEE STATEWIDE HEALTH CARE REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Oct 19, 2021
Location HCR 0112

COVID-19 and Health Disparities - Committee Discussion Only


	01:21:15 PM	The committee came back to order. Joe Hanel, Communications Director, Colorado Health Institute (CHI), discussed COVID-19 and health disparities. Mr. Hanel's presentation slides may be found on the committee's website at: http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/4_chi_covid-19_and_health_disparities.pdf. He spoke about CHI's report on missed care during COVID-19. Members of the committee asked questions to Mr. Hanel about the report. He stated that according the CHI research, the volume of visits to Front Range health care providers dropped 25 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These missed visits led to missed diagnoses, untreated health conditions, and the exacerbation of inequities. He suggested that a concerted effort is needed to reconnect patients with services and address undiagnosed or worsened illnesses. Mr. Hanel suggested ways to address the health care challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including having providers proactively reach out to patients with chronic illnesses, particularly those with comorbidities, increasing resources for behavioral health services, and encouraging patients with new or worsening physical symptoms to seek medical advice.
	01:39:35 PM	Mr. Hanel, Communications Director, Colorado Health Institute, continued his presentation. He discussed a case study about health disparities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the committee asked questions to Mr. Hanel.