Colorado
Colorado lawmakers light up state agencies opposed to paying for weight loss drugs: ‘Perhaps it’s time they go on a diet’
A bill that would require state-regulated insurers and Medicaid to cover weight loss drugs for people who are obese or prediabetic cleared a major hurdle at the Colorado State Capitol. The bill passed the Senate Appropriations Committee despite opposition from the Division of Insurance and Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Both insist the measure is cost-prohibitive.
According to legislative fiscal analysts it would cost the state Medicaid system $86 million the first year alone. An actuarial analysis by the Division of Insurance found it could also raise insurance premiums by as much as $30 million a year.
But neither study looked at potential cost savings, and that didn’t sit so well with some members of the Appropriations Committee, including the Chair, state Sen. Jeff Bridges.
“I can’t believe an actuarial study that was performed by state at the direction of a bill passed by general assembly, didn’t include cost savings,” he said.
Bridges stopped short of accusing the Division of Insurance of violating state law, which requires actuarial reviews include both the potential costs and cost savings.
“Unfortunately we don’t have the facts about potential savings because they just decided not to look into that. I’m extraordinarily upset about that,” he said.
So are state Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet and state Sen. Joanne Ginal, sponsors of the bill.
“Utilizing these drugs can help in long run with chronic kidney disease, with heart disease, to prevent stroke, cancers, so many other diseases,” said Ginal.
Michaelson Jenet says the analyses were inflated to kill the bill.
“I got the fiscal note and said, ‘Okay, there’s something fishy here,’” she said.
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing insists insurers should only have to cover lifestyle therapy like diet and exercise.
Michaelson Jenet noted there is no other disease for which lifestyle therapy only — and not medication — is covered.
“If we want look at the definition of insanity — doing something over and over again and expecting different results — that’s what that is,” she said.
The Department also argued coverage for medication would interfere with its equity plan.
State Sen. Julie Gonzales said that makes no sense.
“Allowing people to live healthier and fuller lives is somehow going to interfere with their equity plan? I invite the Department to figure it out and try harder.”
State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer noted the state gives the Department $5 billion a year, more than it spends.
“The reality is they will also be having underutilized general fund monies that will be able cover this in January of 2025,” she said.
Gonzalez had a better idea.
“Perhaps it’s time they go on a diet,” she said.
The bill was amended to take effect in January of 2025 and passed the committee with only vote in opposition. It needs to pass the full Senate before going to the House.
Colorado
Fire under control in southwest Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – A fire near an elementary school is now under control, but fire crews say they are still battling some active flames and hazards in the area.
The fire was reported around 6:45 a.m. in the area of Mercury Drive and Skyway Boulevard, which is in the Skyway neighborhood. Skyway Park Elementary School is just up the street.
Firefighters had the blaze under control within 15 minutes.
#UPDATE: crews have the fire under control but there is still some active fire and downed power lines in the area.
Please avoid the area until crews can get this mitigated.
— CSFD PIO (@CSFDPIO) May 6, 2024
CSFD has not said how big the fire was.
Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 is closed Monday due to power outages and unspecified damage to buildings.
Copyright 2024 KKTV. All rights reserved.
Colorado
Austin Bluffs Parkway closure could be devastating for one Colorado Springs business owner
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – For the last nine years, Rob Fraley has owned Doug’s breakfast and lunch. Serving up large portioned meals in his New Mexico-themed diner.
Aliens and other out-of-this-world themes can be seen throughout the restaurant.
“It’s been a labor of love, and it’s been in my retirement,” Fraley said. “This is my retirement.”
Fraley says the construction work being done on Austin Bluffs Parkway could greatly impact his bottom line.
“People avoid the area, you know. Our normal, you know, foot traffic coming in is down by, you know, 50, 60, 70 percent during the week,” Farley said.
The closures and traffic patterns have already begun; the first step of prep work has started and is expected to last until the 13th. The water valve installations take place from the 14th to the 17th.
With road restoration taking place from the 24th through June 7th. Fraley says despite the difficulties he anticipates, his place will stay open.
“Don’t be afraid to, you know, come on in here and say hi,” Fraley said. “And, you know, we’ll give you a great meal. And, you know, we do appreciate every person walking through our door.”
Fraley says you can still visit Doug’s during regular business hours for breakfast and lunch. He also says you can still get to his restaurant from Austin Bluffs, it might just take a little more time.
Copyright 2024 KKTV. All rights reserved.
Colorado
Victim seriously injured in Colorado Springs shooting
COLORADO SPRINGS — A person is recovering from serious injuries after being shot in Colorado Springs Saturday night.
The shooting was reported just after 8 p.m. at an address on Sandalwood Drive, which is near E. Fountain Boulevard and S. Murray Boulevard on the city’s southeast side.
Police say several vehicles and a building were hit by bullets, and they found shell casings in the area.
The victim is expected to survive.
No suspect information has been released, but police say they do not believe the shooting was random.
-
Politics1 week ago
Columbia University’s policy-making senate votes for resolution calling to investigate school’s leadership
-
News1 week ago
Both sides prepare as Florida's six-week abortion ban is set to take effect Wednesday
-
Politics1 week ago
GOP Rep. Bill Posey won't seek re-election, endorses former Florida Senate President as replacement
-
World1 week ago
Brussels, my love? MEPs check out of Strasbourg after 5 eventful years
-
Politics1 week ago
House Republicans brace for spring legislative sprint with one less GOP vote
-
World1 week ago
At least four dead in US after dozens of tornadoes rip through Oklahoma
-
World1 week ago
Russian forces gained partial control of Donetsk's Ocheretyne town
-
Politics1 week ago
Anti-Trump DA's no-show at debate leaves challenger facing off against empty podium