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8,000 Nonfarm Payroll Jobs Added in January;Unemployment Rate Rises to 3.4 PercentHousehold survey dataAccording to the survey of households, Colorado’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point in January to 3.4 percent compared to the revised December rate of 3.3 percent. The number of unemployed individuals grew by 2,600 over the same time period to 110,200. The national unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7 percent from December to January. Colorado’s labor force decreased by 2,500 in January to 3,237,200. The share of Coloradans participating in the labor force declined to 68.1 percent in January, compared to 68.3 percent the month prior. The U.S. labor force participation rate was 62.5 percent in January, identical to the month prior. The number of individuals employed in Colorado contracted by 5,100 in January to 3,127,100, which represents 65.8 percent of the state’s 16+ population. Colorado’s employment-population ratio of 65.8 in January was two-tenths of a percentage point lower compared to the December rate of 66.0 percent. The national employmentpopulation ratio increased one-tenth of a percentage point in January to 60.2 percent. Establishment survey dataEmployers in Colorado added 8,000 nonfarm payroll jobs from December to January for a total of 2,969,400 jobs, according to the survey of business establishments. Private sector payroll jobs grew by 5,600, while government rose by 2,400 jobs. Private industry sectors with significant job gains in January were: professional and business services (≈4,800) and manufacturing (≈1,700). Significant over the month private sector job loss occurred in trade, transportation, and utilities (≈1,800). Since January 2023, nonfarm payroll jobs have increased 57,900, with the private sector growing by 33,500 and government adding 24,400 jobs. The largest private sector job gains were in educational and health services (≈15,300), professional and business services (≈10,600), and leisure and hospitality (≈9,600). During that same period trade, transportation, and utilities (≈3,800), information (≈2,000), construction (≈1,000), and manufacturing (≈900) payroll jobs declined. Colorado’s rate of job growth over the past year is 2.0 percent, slightly exceeding the U.S. rate of 1.9 percent. Over the year, the average workweek for all Colorado employees on private nonfarm payrolls declined from 33.5 to 32.4 hours, while average hourly earnings grew from $35.90 to $37.23, two dollars and sixty-eight cents more than the national average hourly earnings of $34.55. Annual averages and benchmark revisions to 2023 dataThe annual unemployment rate for Colorado was 3.2 percent in 2023, revised up from the previously published 3.1 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate in 2023 was 3.6 percent.Colorado nonfarm payroll employment increased at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in 2023, or 72,700 jobs. The U.S. annual payroll jobs growth rate in 2023 was 2.3 percent.In accordance with annual practice, both establishment and household survey data estimates for Colorado undergo a benchmarking process. The benchmark process results in revisions to estimates for prior years. More information on the benchmarking process is available at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. Informational SectionAll Colorado estimates from the establishment and household surveys, including greater geographic detail, are available at Colorado LMI Gateway. Estimates for all states and the nation are available at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.For data visualizations, visit CDLE’s Labor Market Information on Tableau.The February 2024 Colorado Employment Situation will be released at 8:00 AM on Friday, March 22, 2024. The full schedule of release dates for calendar year 2024 estimates is available at Colorado LMI Gateway. Technical NotesThis release provides information on industry employment and labor force statistics for January 2024, the most current estimates available from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The reference period for the establishment and household surveys was the pay period or week that includes the 12th of the month.The unemployment rate, labor force, labor force participation, total employment, and the number of unemployed are based on a survey of households. The total employment estimate derived from this survey is intended to measure the number of people employed.Nonfarm payroll jobs estimates are based on a survey of business establishments and government agencies, and are intended to measure the number of jobs, not the number of people employed. Other series based on this survey include private sector average weekly hours, average hourly earnings and average weekly earnings.The business establishment survey covers about seven times the number of households surveyed and is therefore considered a more reliable indicator of economic conditions. Because the estimates are based on two separate surveys, one measuring jobs by worksite and the other measuring persons employed and unemployed by household, estimates based on these surveys may provide seemingly conflicting results. Resources MentionedSupplemental InformationLabor Force Summary January 2024City Report January 2024County Report January 2024County Report 2023 - 2024January 2024 Press Release

DENVER, Colo. — How do you know that the pound of potatoes you buy at the store or the gallon of gas you put in your car is the same every time? It’s thanks to the Weights and Measures standards established on a national and international level.On March 2, 1799, President John Adams signed into law a Congressional Act that called for establishing uniform standards for weights and measures. Before then, each state had its own system for weighing and measuring consumer products. President Adams’ signature that day was an important first step in regulating national standards for weights and measures and regulating their use.The week of March 1 – 7 has been designated as National Weights and Measures Week, a time to celebrate the work of inspectors who ensure the devices used to weigh and measure products for consumers are accurate. Governor Jared Polis has signed a proclamation commemorating Weights and Measures Week in Colorado.There have been significant changes in how products are weighed and measured. Today, scales are often computerized and new technologies are constantly being introduced. Companies are even developing apps to interface with the precision weighing and measuring equipment to provide better flexibility to both businesses and consumers.Yet for all the myriad changes and improvements, one constant has remained. Just as they have for decades, thousands of weights and measures inspectors still go out every day to inspect and test weighing and measuring equipment and pre-packaged products. Their work is as vital as ever, providing businesses and consumers with a protection that promotes economic development through equity in the marketplace.In Colorado, inspectors in two state agencies – the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor and Employment – combine forces to test the accuracy of weights and measurement devices every day.Inspectors with the Measurement Standards Program of the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) regularly test the accuracy of scales so consumers will know they are getting exactly what they are paying for in the produce aisles, deli counters or wherever they purchase items based on weight. These inspectors also check the scales at grain elevators and livestock sales across the state and even make sure the scales at DIA are accurately weighing travelers’ luggage. The State Metrology Laboratory (located within CDA) calibrates the measurement devices used by both CDA and CDLE inspectors as well as licensed providers. In 2023, the laboratory tested 11,532 devices for mass, volume and frequency. The lab is also the custodian of Colorado's official standards which are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).Inspectors with the Division of Oil and Public Safety, a part of the Department of Labor and Employment, check the metering devices in gasoline dispensers to ensure pinpoint accuracy. They take samples of the fuel products at gas stations throughout Colorado and analyze them for quality. Similar inspections are done on retail and bulk propane, diesel meters, and compressed and liquefied natural gas dispensers. Each year the Colorado program inspects more than 55,000 gas pumps and hundreds of fuel oil and propane truck meters.Consumers who have questions or concerns about gas dispensed at a Colorado service station, should contact the Weights and Measures Section of the Division of Oil and Public Safety at (303) 318-8525 or by email at cdle_ops@state.co.us.Consumers with questions about the accuracy of produce scales should contact the Measurement Standards Program with the Department of Agriculture at (303) 477-4220 or submit a complaint online at ag.colorado.gov/ICS.

(Alamosa) – The Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium (CRWC) and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announce today that the Alamosa Workforce Center will be co-locating with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).The new workforce center location will be at:305 Murphy Dr, Unit BAlamosa, CO 81101The Alamosa Workforce Center is staffed by skilled experts who are dedicated to assisting job seekers and businesses with their employment and workforce needs by promoting quality jobs, building strategic objectives and strengthening resources that enhance Colorado’s economic vitality.“We are excited about our co-location with DVR, which will result in more aligned and coordinated services, enhanced collaboration, and increased accessibility for our customers,” said Suzie Miller, Director of the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium. “This partnership will also lead to a more seamless and effective system of support for individuals with disabilities seeking employment.”The Alamosa Workforce Center offers an array of services and resources including: Job search assistance, career counseling, skill development, employment services, career assessment and exploration, Veteran services, supportive services, workshops and training programs. Additionally, the Alamosa Workforce Center supports businesses through recruitment, retention, and upskilling services.DVR supports individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, advance in, and maintain employment by providing a range of services based on individual employment needs and goals. Rehabilitation Counselors work closely with each person to determine an employment goal and identify and arrange for the services that will be needed to achieve this goal. DVR believes that anyone with a disability who wants to work, can work, regardless of the type or severity of their disability."DVR looks forward to teaming up with the Alamosa Workforce Center in serving individuals with disabilities. DVR's dream goal is that DVR working together with partners and stakeholders will close the prosperity gap for people with disabilities,” per Angelique Atkinson, District Supervisor for the Alamosa DVR office. “Co-locating with the Workforce Center will also naturally increase opportunities for employers in the Valley to find a talented and diverse workforce."For further information about our services, programs, or the relocation, please contact the Alamosa Workforce Center staff at 720-204-8723 or CDLE_Alamosa_WFC@state.co.us. You may also visit our website at https://sites.google.com/state.co.us/scworkforce/home.

LAKEWOOD - Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024 —  Coloradans eligible for a Property Tax, Rent, Heat (PTC) Rebate should apply before April 15 to ensure they also receive a TABOR refund.With the passage of the Identical TABOR Refund Act in December, Coloradans who do not plan to file a state income tax return can still receive the refund if they apply for a PTC Rebate by April 15.The Property Tax, Rent, Heat (PTC) Rebate is available to Colorado residents to help with their property tax, rent, and/or heat expenses. The rebate is based on income, and includes people with disabilities and older adults.For tax year 2023, the rebate amount can be up to $1,112 for applicants. If applications are received by April 15, 2024, applicants can also receive a TABOR refund, which equates to $800 for single filers and $1,600 for married couples filing jointly.Eligible Coloradans include seniors (age 65 or older, or surviving spouse age 58 or older), Coloradans with disabilities, and individuals with a total income of less than $18,026 or a married couple with total combined income of less than $24,345.“It’s important to support all Coloradans, especially those in underserved and underrepresented communities,” said Brendon Reese, Department of Revenue Division of Taxation director. “We want Coloradans experiencing hardship to know that there are resources out there to help and PTC rebates are one of them. With the flattened TABOR refund, you can receive a refund even if you didn’t file a state income tax return for 2023 – you just need to submit a PTC Rebate application.”The PTC Rebate has provided relief to about 15,000 Coloradans since 2019. This program ensures seniors and Coloradans with disabilities can remain occupied in their heated homes year after year.The PTC Rebate application is also available in Spanish, and to provide better customer service to non-English speaking Coloradans, Taxation Division call centers  can now assist non-English speaking PTC applicants through a translation service.More information, including qualifications, is available on the PTC Rebate web page.PTC PosterPTC Brochure 

Plan identifies 24 drugs and dosages that could save Coloradans up to $51 million over three yearsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 27, 2024Media ContactsShelby Wieman | shelby.wieman@state.co.us (Governor’s office)Marc Williams | marc.williams@state.co.us (HCPF)Denver, CO - Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) announced the submission of Colorado’s amended application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Biden Administration to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada. The submission is an amendment to the initial application submitted on Dec. 5, 2022. With this step forward, Colorado is closer to federal approval to operate Colorado’s Canadian Drug Importation Program. If the FDA approves, Colorado can start the process of bringing lower-cost prescription drugs into the state so more Coloradans can afford the medication they need to thrive.“We are focused on saving Coloradans money on healthcare, one of the highest costs people face. We know this will help save people money on prescription drugs — upwards of $51 million in the first three years and now we are one step closer to launching our Drug Importation Program. We urge a speedy approval from the FDA as this action will help make prescription drugs, and health care, more affordable for all Coloradans,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.In 2019, solidifying his commitment to save people money on health care and to bring down the cost of prescription drugs, Governor Polis signed the landmark bipartisan Senate Bill 19-005 sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Rodriguez, Senator Ginal and then Representative Jaquez Lewis. The legislation authorized HCPF to seek approval from the federal government to establish an importation program to provide Colorado employers and consumers access to Canada’s lower-priced drugs.In August 2022, the Polis administration announced the selection of the three primary partners for the program, which sets up the supply chain for eligible prescription drugs to be securely routed to Colorado. Including and beyond those three primary partners, the program consists of a unique team of wholesalers, a qualified laboratory, a relabeler, and a reporting partner that meet all federal requirements. This process will ensure high-quality prescription medications from Canada arrive safely at Colorado pharmacies.“Our Canadian drug importation program, once approved by the FDA, will bring meaningful savings to Coloradans and our employers, as part of Colorado’s array of innovative and effective solutions intended to save people money on prescription drugs,” said HCPF Executive Director Kim Bimestefer.As this program nears implementation, HCPF looks forward to engaging stakeholders to ensure Colorado consumers have access to lower cost, high-quality medications. Visit HCPF’s website for more information and to learn more about upcoming stakeholder opportunities. About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. These health care programs now cover about one in four Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit hcpf.colorado.gov.

LAKEWOOD, Tuesday March 5, 2024 - Prevent fraud this tax filing season with advice from the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR), Taxation Division.The Division offers the following tips to help ease taxpayers’ minds as they prepare to file state income tax returns. The top security tips are:Carefully choose a tax preparer.Be prepared for paper checks. Colorado income tax refunds that are requested to be direct deposit may be converted to paper checks instead to combat fraud.CDOR may mail correspondence to verify Taxpayer Identity.CDOR may delay refunds in efforts to detect and prevent refund fraud. Be aware of tax scam alerts via phone call, text messaging or email. Prevent personal identity theft. Use Revenue Online. File returns and communicate to DOR using the state's free tax filing web service. Revenue online is a great, legitimate resource when it comes to communicating with DOR.Coloradans who believe their tax identification number has been stolen and someone has filed a Colorado tax return under their Social Security Number (SSN), should first report the suspected identity theft to local law enforcement and then the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI is available 24 hours per day via their Identity Theft & Fraud Hotline at (855) 443-3489.The Taxation Division wants to prepare Coloradans with the necessary information to prevent tax fraud this tax filing season and encourages taxpayers to follow the IRS guidelines in order to ensure a refund is filed correctly.Call the Taxpayer Helpline at (303) 205-8262 for additional assistance Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.For more information please visit our website at the Tax Fraud Prevention web page.

LAKEWOOD, Monday, February 12, 2024 — Taxpayers can now file income tax returns for 2023 and the Colorado Department of Revenue, Taxation Division has a few tips to make the process easier and help Coloradans receive their returns as quickly as possible.How to fileOnline - The Taxation Division encourages Taxpayers to file electronically, either through Revenue Online, or one of the many third-party vendors who offer certified electronic income tax filing products, to cut down on processing time and the potential for errors as well as issues in transit.By mail - This method is for Taxpayers who may not be comfortable using online platforms. Instructions about filing State income tax are available on each form.The tax filing deadline for tax year 2023 is April 15, 2024; however, the state offers an automatic six month extension for filing as long as payment obligations are satisfied by April 15.“The Department is ready to process state income tax returns,” said Brendon Reese, Taxation Senior Director. “We are committed to processing returns and refunds for Colorado taxpayers in a timely and professional manner. We know many are eager to receive their refunds as quickly as possible.”Up-to-date information, including the status of state income tax refunds, is at Tax.Colorado.gov – just click on the “Where’s My Refund” banner.Taxpayers can call the Taxpayer Helpline by phone at (303) 238-7378, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. To physically visit a Service Center for help, please schedule an appointment.Taxpayers who need low or no-cost help filing state income tax returns should visit Tax.Colorado.gov/Community-Tax-Help for additional resources. 

Tool compares hospital inpatient payments to identify low-cost providers, reducing health benefit costs for businesses and employeesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 6, 2024Media ContactMarc WilliamsPublic Information Officer720-626-0801 (Cell)Denver, CO - Following the release of our statutorily required hospital transparency reports yesterday, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) launched its Payment Variation Tool — the first public tool of its kind in the nation — to help employer groups, insurance purchasers and business leaders save money on health insurance. The new tool uses claims data to compare hospital inpatient payments statewide and identify low-cost providers by filtering medical procedure codes. It offers crucial insights into what drives the cost of hospital care, which is the largest component of Coloradans’, employers’ and the state’s health care spend.“Colorado’s nation-leading efforts, like Reinsurance, the Colorado Option and Prescription Drug Affordability Board, are saving Coloradans money on their health care. Now this tool will build on that important work, lowering costs for employers and businesses, and increasing access to the healthcare Coloradans need,” said Governor Jared Polis.“The release of our Payment Variation Tool, coupled with many other price transparency efforts, are all part of our focused effort to help save Coloradans and employers money on health,” said HCPF Chief Financial Officer, Bettina Schneider. “The development of these analysis tools and reports create  a suite of complementary research that both supports and evolves this important work.”HCPF also developed a Good, Fair, and Poor rating system to measure Colorado hospitals’ adherence to federal price transparency rules. This effort follows legislation passed and signed by Governor Polis over the previous two sessions (HB22-1285 and SB23-252). HCPF’s Hospital Price Transparency Posting Evaluation Report includes a scorecard from an evaluation of 101 Colorado hospitals between August and September 2023. The scorecard frames how well hospitals comply with state and federal price transparency rules. These rules are intended to drive more competitive and affordable hospital prices to benefit Coloradans and employers.“The federal government implemented important regulations to require hospitals to tell the public what they are actually charging their consumers,” said Professor Ge Bai, PhD, CPA, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “Colorado is ahead of other states with state legislation and reports like this one that make sure hospitals do just that.”Overall, 59% of all Colorado hospitals have a “Good” quality rating for how they make their hospital pricing information available. That is about a 33% increase from the price transparency data retrieved in November 2022. HCPF is providing technical assistance to help hospitals rated “Poor” improve their price transparency efforts. HCPF will also use the public posting of hospital prices to populate an upcoming price comparison tool. That additional tool will further assist in identifying outlier prices, while propelling more collaboration with hospitals to lower those outliers and save people money on health care.“Hospital affordability is critical to employers across the country, as it is a major driver of overall health care premiums, which have become an increasing financial burden on American workers and their families,” said Elizabeth Mitchell, President & CEO, Purchaser Business Group on Health. “Colorado’s hospital transparency reports and their payment variation tool offer employers valuable insights that will help PBGH, insurance carriers, and employers negotiate better hospital prices thereby lowering premiums.”Visit HCPF’s Hospital Reports Hub to view all of this year’s pricing transparency reports, along with previous HCPF hospital reports and other resources. About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. These health care programs now cover about one in four Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit hcpf.colorado.gov.

Colorado Hospitals’ Net Operating Income Drops 50% in 2022, Reserves Largely Better than Pre-PandemicCommunity benefit investments total $1.1 billion FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 5, 2024Media ContactMarc WilliamsPublic Information OfficerColorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing720-626-0801 (Cell)Denver, CO - Today, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) continues its national leadership in hospital financial and pricing transparency, accountability, and analytics with the release of four statutorily required hospital transparency reports. These reports provide policymakers, businesses, health care purchasers and communities with critical insights that drive the cost of hospital care — the largest component of Coloradans’, employers’ and the state’s health care spend. These reports also illuminate how hospitals, individually and in the aggregate, have navigated the immediate and lingering impacts of the COVID19 pandemic.“Hospitals are critical pillars within the communities they serve. They also represent the largest component of insurance premiums paid by Coloradans and employers,” said Kim Bimestefer, HCPF executive director. “2022 was an aberration with the downturn in hospital investment returns, supply chain inflation, and staffing agency wages which impacted overall workforce expenses. Though frontline workforce wages have increased meaningfully, we are asking hospitals to continue to moderate their price increases as they have over the last few years, recognizing the direct impact their prices have on the cost of health care to Coloradans and employers.”“The reports released today will help the state, employers and communities collaborate with hospitals to save people money on health care, prioritize ‘in-lieu-of-tax dollar' community investments, address outlier hospital financials, and the immediate and lingering impacts of the COVID19 pandemic. It also helps tackle industry challenges like the health care workforce shortage or mitigating unfunded care.” said Bettina Schneider, HCPF Chief Financial Officer.The 2024 Hospital Financial Transparency report includes data from 2022 when operating expenses grew 10.4% from 2021 while patient revenue grew 5.9% and operating income decreased by $981.0 million or 50.0%. This reflects a sharp pivot from 2014-2021 reporting periods when patient revenue growth was substantially higher than expense growth. Other key insights include:Net operating income for Colorado hospitals was $1.9 billion, $1.3 billion, and $2.0 billion in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively, before declining to $981 million in 2022.Net income, which includes investment income, for Colorado hospitals was $2.3 billion, $1.8 billion, and $3.4 billion in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively, before declining to $336 million in 2022.Increased labor costs, including an alarming chapter of contracted labor expenditure up 247.6% from 2019, in addition to inflationary pressure.Uncompensated care costs rose 12.5% or $60.5 million between 2021 and 2022 to a total of $544.0 million, primarily driven by increases in charity care. Charity care is a main component of uncompensated care, and represents health services that hospitals do not expect to receive payments in full, or in part, because a hospital has determined, with the assistance of the patient, the patient’s inability to pay. Specifically, charity care costs made up $325.8 million, or 59.9% of total uncompensated care costs in 2022. Between 2021 and 2022, charity care costs increased by 10.8% or $31.9 million.Table 10 Operating Net Income by Peer Groups (in millions)YearLargeMediumSmallTotal2019$1,816.8$121.9-$25.5$1,913.22020$1,267.3$38.0-$8.8$1,296.52021$1,617.8$285.8$58.6$1,962.32022$893.6$107.2-$19.6$981.3Table 11 Net Income by Peer Groups (in millions)YearLargeMediumSmallTotal2019$2,083.3$155.8$46.3$2,285.42020$1,662.8$53.5$127.0$1,843.32021$2,837.7$358.7$228.4$3,424.82022$255.2$39.5$41.4$336.1Despite the shift seen in 2022, numerous indicators show much of Colorado’s hospital industry is healthy, except for the state’s rural hospitals and the state’s largest safety net hospital, Denver Health, disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and the influx of migrants. The report shows: Net patient revenues are returning to trends seen before the pandemic. Net patient revenue grew from $12.1 billion to roughly $21.3 billion between 2014 to 2022, an increase of 75.5% and an average annual increase of 7.3%, or $1.1 billion per year. Between 2021 and 2022, net patient revenue increased by 5.9%, or $1.2 billion.In 2022, the median hospital reserve for Colorado was 183 days cash on hand, meaning hospitals could operate without additional revenue for about six months. This compares to pre-pandemic 2019 reserve levels of about five months, at 149 days.Children’s Hospital Colorado, UCHealth and Intermountain Healthcare systems had days cash on hand of 299, 325 and 343 respectively, in 2022.In the Denver region, Denver Health Medical Center has the lowest days cash on hand with only 87 days cash on hand in 2022. While the stock market has rebounded through 2023, 2022 investment losses were significant; the impact to hospitals’ overall profits is concurrently significant, as investment returns for some hospitals historically equal or exceed patient service profits.“Our active dialogue and negotiations with community hospitals are paramount to achieving our goal of driving affordable health insurance coverage and increased care access to the communities we serve,” said Anne Ladd, CEO, Peak Health Alliance, a leading purchasing alliance operating throughout Western Colorado. “I was proud to testify in support of House Bill 23-1226, knowing that today’s reports would provide transparency into each hospital’s financials, illuminating who is rebounding, who is struggling and who is charging employers and families the highest rates. This information enables us to negotiate a more appropriate reimbursement for those who have to pay the hospital bills.”The Community Benefit report shines light on what and where tax exempt hospitals are investing their community benefit dollars. This reporting enables communities to see if their hospitals are investing in what their communities have identified as a health need in lieu of paying taxes. During hospitals’ fiscal year 2021, Colorado hospitals’ Community Benefit investment rose 13% to $1.09 billion - a $125 million increase from the previous fiscal year, directed into the below categories:55% was directed into social determinants of health (SDOH), including housing, food, transportation, interpersonal violence, education, and job opportunities. This is a reporting increase from only 7.8%, in 2020, being directed toward SDOH, reflecting greater diligence in reporting and a change in action/focus.Reporting also shows corresponding reporting shifts in other areas. For example, in 2020, 55.3% of community benefit dollars were invested in health behavior/risks, while 2021 reporting shows 5% spent on programs addressing health behaviors/risks. These changes reflect more diligent reporting from hospitals in community benefit spending categories.24% into charity care (includes free or reduced-cost health care services)HB23-1243 took effect in August 2023 and requires more specific, community benefit reporting categories which will help HCPF connect community investment spending directly to community identified needs starting in 2025.“The laws enacted in Colorado around Medicaid expansion, price transparency, and community benefit have advanced federal policies operationally to benefit patients,” said Patricia A. Gabow, MD, Lown Institute Board chair and past 20-year CEO of Denver Health. “Importantly, the report tells us that we have more work to do in several areas, particularly on defining and measuring the community benefit provided by not-for-profit hospitals in relation to the benefit of their tax-exemption.”Additionally, the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise (CHASE) was created as a result of the Colorado Healthcare Affordability and Sustainability Enterprise Act of 2017. The CHASE reduces uncompensated care for hospital providers and the need to shift those costs to private or commercial payers by increasing reimbursement to hospitals and by reducing the number of uninsured Coloradans. The CHASE increases net payments to hospitals by collecting a healthcare affordability and sustainability fee from hospitals which then receives federal matching dollars to increase Colorado Medicaid as well as Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) payments to hospitals.Together, these higher public program payments enable hospitals to reduce cost-shifting to Coloradans and employers covered by private or commercial payers. Before the CHASE fee, hospitals were receiving about $0.54 cents on their dollar of costs for care provided to Medicaid patients, measured in 2009. In 2022, hospitals received $0.81 on their dollar of cost of care for Medicaid patients, far and above the $0.70 on the dollar of cost of care for Medicare patients. The 2024 CHASE Annual Report also illustrates that the CHASE provided $464 million in increased reimbursement to hospital providers, which helped fund health insurance coverage through Colorado Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) for more than 622,000 Coloradans - with no increase in Colorado General Fund expenditures.To view all of this year’s reports, along with previous HCPF hospital reports and other resources, please visit HCPF’s Hospital Reports Hub. About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. These health care programs now cover about one in four Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit hcpf.colorado.gov.

Report recommends sunsetting Colorado Indigent Care Program and bolstering Primary Care Fund to help more Coloradans get careFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 1, 2024Media ContactMarc WilliamsPublic Information Officer303-866-3144Denver, CO - The Colorado Indigent Care Program (CICP) program helps uninsured and underinsured patients with incomes up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) access discounted health care at participating hospitals, Community Health Centers and other safety net clinics. While CICP is not health insurance, it has been a financial vehicle for participating providers to recoup some costs for medical services provided to eligible patients.The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing’s (HCPF) 2024 CICP report underscores the importance of primary care and hospital safety net programs but also forecasts substantial changes to sustain the safety net and provider reimbursement. The report shows CICP continues to experience a steady decline as more people enroll in Medicaid, especially since Colorado expanded Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act in 2014. Currently, only an estimated 40,000 Coloradans receive discounted health care at participating clinics and hospitals each year through the CICP compared to a peak of about 225,000 Coloradans prior to Medicaid expansion. Recently, 11 clinics and two hospitals have left CICP.“As health care coverage and financing policies have changed, so too have safety net programs,” said HCPF’s Special Financing Division Director, Nancy Dolson. “The time is right to make additional changes and to do so thoughtfully to ensure access to care remains while reducing administrative burdens for providers and patients alike.”Funding for CICP participating clinics was eliminated in fiscal year 2021-22. HCPF recommends sunsetting the 40-year-old CICP while enhancing the Primary Care Fund and addressing unintended administrative challenges under hospitals’ financial assistance requirements. HCPF’s recommendations would infuse additional funding into the Primary Care Fund to support access at Community Health Centers and other safety net clinics for patients with incomes up to $36,450 per year for an individual compared to $29,160 per year for an individual today.“Colorado’s safety net programs have changed over time to better meet the needs of Coloradans,” said HCPF Executive Director, Kim Bimestefer. “Given other safety net programs now in place, HCPF appreciates the collaboration of the General Assembly to enact these recommendations to preserve access to care for low-income Coloradans and reduce administrative burdens for providers and patients.”For hospitals, HB21-1198 created minimum standards for all Colorado hospitals’ financial assistance programs, referred to as Hospital Discounted Care. Through this law, hospitals are required to screen low-income, uninsured patients for public health coverage program eligibility including Medicaid. Sunsetting the CICP and making needed changes to the Hospital Discounted Care requirements will reduce administrative and billing burdens CICP hospitals experience while participating in multiple safety net programs. If HCPF’s recommendation to sunset CICP is approved, the Hospital Discounted Care requirements will bridge access to care for lower income patients.“We are calling for these changes because if the untenable status quo remains, more clinics and hospitals are likely to end participation in the CICP while patients will face confusion navigating multiple programs and requirements to access care,” said HCPF Chief Financial Officer, Bettina Schneider.  About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing: The Department administers Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid program), Child Health Plan Plus, and other programs for Coloradans who qualify. These health care programs now cover about one in four Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit hcpf.colorado.gov.