CO SB138

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the general fund to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing for the 2022-23 state fiscal year to provide supplemental payments to Denver Health and Hospital Authority.

Authorizes the department to distribute the appropriated money to Denver Health, the state's largest safety net provider serving patients from 63 counties, to address financial hardship.

Identifies Denver Health's financial distress as caused by lower-than-expected commercial insurance volumes, increasing payroll costs to remain competitive, and COVID-19 pandemic impacts.

Creates new statutory section 25.5-4-427 establishing the supplemental state payment mechanism, with the provision automatically repealing on July 1, 2024.

Declares the act necessary for immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety, allowing it to take effect upon governor approval.