Bill
SB 25-294
Expands Medicaid behavioral health services for Health First Colorado members, improving access via broader coverage and new delivery models.
Status: Governor Signed (2025‑05‑31)
Introduced: 2025‑04‑15
Primary sponsors: Shannon Bird; Rick Taggart; Barbara Kirkmeyer; Judy Amabile
Cosponsors: C. Kipp, M. Lindsay, D. Michaelson Jenet, T. Exum, J. Bacon, I. Jodeh, L. Cutter, M. Catlin, J. Bridges, S. Lieder, E. Sirota, R. English, R. Gonzalez, K. Wallace, K. Brown
Legislative action: Passed both chambers without amendment; enrolled and signed by legislative leaders and the Governor in May 2025.
Note on source material: The bill text and fiscal note were not provided with the materials you supplied. The summary below reports the bill’s status and sponsor information and describes likely scope and impacts based on the bill title. For authoritative, section‑by‑section details and fiscal effects, consult the enrolled bill text and fiscal note on the Colorado General Assembly website.
Purpose and intent
- The bill’s title — “Behavioral Health Services for Medicaid Members” — indicates the legislation is intended to affect delivery, coverage, or administration of behavioral health services for persons enrolled in the state Medicaid program (Health First Colorado).
- The likely policy goal is to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder services for Medicaid beneficiaries, though specific approaches (coverage additions, payment changes, program design, or administrative requirements) are not available in the provided record.
Key provisions (anticipated areas commonly addressed by bills with this title)
- Coverage and benefits: Potential expansion or clarification of Medicaid coverage for specific behavioral health services (e.g., therapy, counseling, crisis services, inpatient/outpatient SUD treatment).
- Service delivery models: Possible authorization or support for integrated care, community‑based services, telehealth/telebehavioral health, peer support, and mobile crisis teams.
- Provider participation and reimbursement: May modify provider qualifications, enrollment processes, or reimbursement rates to strengthen provider networks and access.
- Care coordination and continuity: May require coordination between physical and behavioral health services, case management, or care transition protocols.
- Data, reporting, and oversight: Likely includes reporting requirements to monitor access, utilization, and outcomes for Medicaid behavioral health services.
- Implementation details: Typical bills set effective dates and direct the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing to promulgate rules and implement changes.
Who would be affected
- Primary: Medicaid enrollees (Health First Colorado members) who need behavioral health services.
- Secondary: Behavioral health providers (community mental health centers, clinics, hospitals, therapists), managed care organizations (if applicable), state agencies responsible for Medicaid administration, and state budget/fiscal resources.
Procedural and timeline notes
- The bill moved rapidly through both chambers without amendments and was signed into law by the Governor on May 31, 2025.
- The effective date and required administrative steps (rulemaking, fiscal implementation) are specified in the bill text; check the enrolled bill to determine when provisions take effect.
Next steps / where to find more information
- To review exact provisions, effective dates, and fiscal impact, consult the enrolled bill text and fiscal note at the Colorado General Assembly website or the Governor’s office release for SB 25‑294.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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