NEWS BRIEF
Denver7 reports that Colorado’s Medicaid program is projected to be about $443 million over budget this fiscal year. Members of the Colorado Medicaid Commission received a briefing on the forecasting error and discussed the program’s growing costs, including service use, provider rates and medical inflation.
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing accepted responsibility for recent cost growth and overspending, according to the report. Agency leaders said they plan to pursue administrative efficiencies, program integrity, federal and non-general fund resources, and changes intended to align benefits and services with available appropriations.
What to know
Colorado’s updated Medicaid forecast projects 9.6% year-over-year budget growth for 2026-27, compared with 4.7% in the prior forecast. State officials identified several cost pressures and outlined steps intended to bring spending closer to appropriated levels.
Reporting: Colette Bordelon · Denver7 · 09-19-2026
