4D86CCE388D5980E87258AFC006D1BBF Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee resumed.

Senators Michaelson Jenet and Ginal, primary bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 24-054, which requires state-regulated insurance plans to cover lifestyle therapy, bariatric surgery, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-obesity medication for the treatment of chronic obesity and pre-diabetes. The bill states coverage restrictions cannot be more restrictive than restrictions placed on treatments for other conditions. The bill requires the Department of Regulatory Agencies to determine whether a state defrayal is necessary for the new coverage requirements. The requirements apply to plans issued or renewed after: a determination that a state defrayal is not necessary is confirmed by the federal Department of Health and Human Services or confirmation has been requested and HHS has not responded within 365 days.

Likewise, the bill requires Medicaid, operated by Department of Health Care Policy andFinancing (HCPF), to cover lifestyle therapy, bariatric surgery, and FDA-approved anti-obesity medication for the treatment of chronic obesity and pre-diabetes no later than January 2025. HCPF must notify members in writing about the availability of treatment and report on the conditions as part of the SMART Act. The requirements apply after federal authorization is granted.

Senator Ginal provided a handout to the committee (Attachment C).

Dr. Adam Gilden, representing Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, University of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Christine Fallabel, representing The American Diabetes Association, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Rebecca Andrick, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Jaime Moore, representing Children's Hospital Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Dr. Carolynn Francavilla Brown, representing Obesity Medicine Association, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Todd Nielsen, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Rachel Moore, representing American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Teddy McCullough, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Dr. Erin Harrop, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Tigress Osborn, representing Campaign for Size Freedom/NAAFA, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Lauren Pickens, representing Colorado Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, testified to amend the bill.

McKenna Ganz, representing The Eating Disorder Foundation and the Colorado Alliance for Size Equity, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Ragen Chastain, representing Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights, and Education (FLARE!) Project, testified to amend the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Dr. Linda Shapiro Manning, representing Obesity Action Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Judith Smith, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Aleia Mastroianni, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Leah Weihe, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Senator Michaelson Jenet introduced amendment L.001 (Attachment E).

The committee discussed the amendment.

Senator Michaelson Jenet introduced amendment L.002 (Attachment F).

The committee discussed the amendment.

Senator Michaelson Jenet introduced amendment L.003 (Attachment G).

The committee discussed the amendment.

Senator Michaelson
Jenet introduced amendment L.009 (Attachment H).



The committee
discussed the amendment.

The committee discussed the bill.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

The committee provided closing remarks.