No matter their legal status, a new law will assist pregnant women and children in obtaining health coverage as of January 1, 2025.
Under the “Cover All Coloradans” initiative, children’s physical, dental, visual, and mental health care are covered by state Medicaid, as well as prenatal and postpartum care.
Immigrant service organizations are currently trying to enroll families and address concerns that some may have about providing information to the authorities.
Denver Health is providing care through its mobile clinic on a day when food is distributed at ReVision in the Westwood neighborhood of Denver. Many newcomers to Denver trust the nonprofit organization ReVision.
According to Bryan Rodriguez, manager of the Denver Health Program, efforts are being made to inform immigrants about the new Medicaid coverage. “So we have started to hear from the community some concerns about what the implications may be in the future with the new administration that will come in in January.”
Keyli and Francis became friends in Denver. They crossed the southern border from Honduras earlier this year.
They are happy to have access to Medicaid.
Francis describes his relief upon having access to medical care in Spanish. “In my case I have a pending bill right now for a copayment that I have not been able to pay. But I also do not have the income to be able to pay the bill right now.”
Keyli intends to sign up shortly. She encourages other immigrants to sign up and is expecting her second kid next year. She said, “Well, don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid,” in Spanish.
“Based on current Colorado state laws they protect the privacy of the clients that are applying for these public benefits,” Rodriguez stated. The advantages don’t pose a “public charge” challenge, according to the state, and privacy is also protected. According to the “public charge” rule, a US Citizenship and Immigration Services officer has the authority to refuse someone entry into the country if they believe the individual will eventually become reliant on certain government services, making them a “public charge.”
“This country has many more opportunities for them,” Francis added, referring to Keyli’s and her own children. We don’t want them to go through what we did.
Before Denver started to receive tens of thousands of immigrants from the southern border, the Cover All Colorado law was passed in 2022.
At the time, the legislation was opposed by Republican Representative Matt Soper, who represented Mesa and Delta counties.
As the state deals with a billion-dollar financial deficit, Cover All Colorado is being implemented.
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According to KFF, Colorado is joining a dozen states in offering health coverage to all children who qualify for it, regardless of their immigration status or income.
When Cover All Coloradans was signed into law in 2022, it was estimated that it would cost $34 million, of which $15 million would come from Colorado’s General Fund, and cover 3677 people.
It is projected to serve 15,049 people by 2025 and cost $51 million, of which $39 million will come from the General Fund. The proposed budget for next year already includes this.
