NEWS BRIEF
The Denver Gazette reports that Colorado’s Medicaid commission heard warnings that Medicaid spending is outpacing general fund revenue growth. State budget officials reported a $157.9 million Medicaid budget overrun in 2025-26 and projected a $443 million overrun for 2026-27.
The commission, created during the 2026 legislative session, is considering immediate and longer-term options involving Medicaid funding and care delivery. According to the report, officials cited service utilization rather than enrollment as the main driver of spending growth and warned that, without reforms, Medicaid could crowd out other general-fund spending over time.
What to know
The reported figures are budget projections and warnings, not final policy decisions. Colorado’s Medicaid commission is beginning its work as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session and the next state budget proposal.
Reporting: Marianne Goodland · Denver Gazette · 09-17-2026
