Sean Pauzauskie, MD, COMPAC chair, and Darlene Tad-y, MD, MBA, Council on Legislation chair

The 2024 general election brought interesting developments for physician supporters in the statehouse, with 98 percent of COMPAC-endorsed candidates winning their bids for election or re-election. This strong showing is set to influence health care policy in practical and collaborative ways during the 2025 legislative session. The COMPAC endorsement process connected incoming legislators with physicians so that they understand what medicine’s priorities are and have relationships with local physicians to consult when questions arise. With a significant number of freshmen legislators joining both chambers, our advocacy team anticipates these new members will bring fresh perspectives, opening the door for greater cooperation on health-related issues.

Key races, leadership changes, and ballot measures

Among the most closely watched races were four House districts – HD 16, 19, 43 and 50 – where outcomes were tight, and Republicans needed to win three to prevent a Democratic supermajority. (As of press time, only one race was called – HD 43 was called for Democrat Bob Marshall and HD 50 was called for Republican Ryan Gonzalez.) In the Senate, races in SD 5, 12, 13 and 16 were key, with Republican Marc Catlin’s win in SD 5 potentially preventing Democrats from achieving supermajority status. Additionally, a significant ballot measure passed, preserving abortion access in the state constitution. This measure is expected to catalyze new discussions and legislative proposals surrounding reproductive health care in the 2025 session.

Changes in legislative leadership are expected to impact the tone and approach of health care advocacy. The Senate will welcome a new president, while new chairs in both the House and Senate Health Committees will play pivotal roles in guiding health care legislation. We remain optimistic that these leadership roles will be filled by legislators with a history of support for the medical community. New health care advocates in the legislature, including Representatives-elect Lindsay Gilcrest, Gretchen Rydin, Rebekah Stewart, and Senators-elect Judy Amabile and Lindsey Daugherty, are anticipated to champion key health care issues, creating new opportunities for progress.

Legislative priorities for 2025

Once again, health care is expected to be an important issue at the state capitol in 2025. CMS anticipates legislation on access-to-care issues, Medicaid RAC audits, pharmacy benefit managers, bans on non-compete clauses for physicians, and possibly hospital facility fees. There will be a focus on enabling batching of bills for out-of-network services so that similar claims can be dispensed in one arbitration. CMS will also guard against inappropriate scope of practice expansions and efforts to destabilize the liability climate. As the session progresses, additional health-related bills will undoubtedly emerge.

A projected $900 million shortfall in the state budget presents a significant hurdle, particularly in securing funding for Medicaid programs. Gov. Polis’ proposed Medicaid budget next year calls for $23 million in physician and other service rate cuts. Overcoming these financial challenges will require strong, targeted advocacy to ensure that health care remains a legislative focus.

Physician engagement

For physicians, engaging directly with legislators remains the most effective way to influence policy. Meeting with lawmakers, testifying in committees, and advocating for affordable, quality care will be critical this session. Legislators need to hear directly from physicians, especially on issues impacting patient care and practice operations. By building and strengthening these relationships, physicians can play a key role in shaping the future of health care in Colorado. Stay engaged by reading our Policy Pulse, responding to our Action Alerts, and letting us know if you would be interested in testifying.

Link: View how endorsed candidates fared here