Governor Polis just approved a series of budget cuts that take nearly $80 million from Colorado’s Medicaid program — almost a third of the total deficit-filling package. That includes rolling back critical provider rate increases and cutting or delaying services that help disabled people, children, and low-income families access care.

These cuts may help balance the books in the short term, but they come at a painful human cost. Safety-net hospitals like Denver Health are already warning of financial strain. Family caregivers and behavioral health providers are seeing promised funds disappear. Programs that serve children with autism, support people with disabilities, or connect rural patients to care are all facing rollbacks.

We understand that tough choices are sometimes needed. But slashing health care for vulnerable Coloradans should not be the first option — especially when those same communities are still recovering from years of underinvestment and rising medical costs.

Governor Polis and the Colorado Legislature must work together to restore these Medicaid cuts and protect access to care. That includes:

• Reinstating the full provider rate increase that was promised and budgeted for this year
• Reversing harmful cuts to autism services, behavioral health supports, and family caregiving
• Committing to more transparent, inclusive budget planning that centers impacted communities

We’re calling on our elected officials to lead with compassion and prioritize people over spreadsheets. Medicaid is a lifeline for over a million Coloradans — it should not be treated as a piggy bank to raid when times get tough.

Add your name if you believe our state budget should protect health care, not cut it.