By Matt VanAuken, DP Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director
Earlier this year, the Colorado Legislature passed a new law (SB 26-187). It created a group called the Commission on Medicaid. It’s a big step, and we want to make sure you know what it means for you and your family.
What is this Commission?
The Commission is a group of state lawmakers — some Republicans, some Democrats. They’re working on one big question: how can Colorado make Medicaid work better and last longer for the people who need it?
By law, the Commission must meet at least 6 times, and no more than 12 times between May and December. Afterward, they’ll submit a report to the Legislature and Governor with recommendations for what should change.
Why does this matter?
Medicaid pays for many services. One of them is Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS), which helps people with disabilities live in their own homes and communities.
People who use LTSS are a small group compared to everyone on Medicaid, but their care costs a large share of the money spent. Because of this, we expect the Commission to talk a lot about costs, services, and how much providers get paid.
The Commission’s recommendations could shape future bills and laws. During the regular legislative session, lawmakers don’t have much time to dig into the details of Medicaid — funding, services, and more. This Commission gives them that time between the 2026 and 2027 legislative sessions.
DP also wants to clarify an important difference. Health First Colorado (also called Medicaid State Plan, or public health insurance) covers things like doctor visits. LTSS is different — it provides extra supports beyond medical care. LTSS can also help people stay in their communities rather than move to more costly institutional care.
What is DP doing?
We’re watching this work closely. We plan to bring information and data to lawmakers, so the people we support are part of the conversation.
How can you follow along?
Every Commission meeting is open to the public. You can listen live or watch a recording later. The schedule is posted here.
How can you share your story?
This is a real chance for your voice to be heard. Here are two opportunities to share your story and ideas with the commission:
- Colorado Commission on Medicaid – Public Input Survey
- Share Your Input with the Commission on Medicaid
If you’re looking for additional support or advocacy resources, some great places to look are also below:
- Connect with an advocacy group — see DP’s blog post on Colorado’s State Budget Process for a list.
- Public Participation in the Legislative Process
- The Arc: Storytelling Toolkit for People with Disabilities and Advocates
- Autistic Self-Advocacy Network
We’ll keep you posted
Big changes like this can raise a lot of questions. DP is committed to watching this process closely and sharing what we learn, as we learn it. If you need help finding supports, resources, or understanding your available options, please reach out through our Contact Us page or email us at info@dpcolo.org. You can also sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn to make sure you don’t miss any updates.
Editor’s note: This post was revised to include the public input surveys shared by the Commission on July 28, 2026.