DENVER — Colorado residents are bracing for potential Medicaid cuts as lawmakers prepare for a special session this week to tackle a nearly $1 billion state budget shortfall.
Governor Jared Polis (D) called the session earlier this month, asking legislators to find solutions to balance the budget. Among the top concerns is Medicaid funding, which faces possible reductions tied to recent federal policy changes.
Residents at Risk of Losing Care
At Dayspring Villa Assisted Living in Denver, anxiety is growing. Many residents fear that cuts could force them out of their homes and leave them without medical care.
“I’m applying for Medicaid right now, and it’s a little scary because we don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Diana Bennett, a 75-year-old resident. “Quite frankly, without Medicaid I’ll be out on the street.”
Bennett, who has lived at Dayspring for nearly six years, said the uncertainty feels life-threatening.
“If I had to live on the street, I probably would last maybe three days,” she admitted. “It’s a very scary prospect.”
Older Residents Fear Being Left Behind
For many seniors, Medicaid is the only safety net keeping them housed. Richard Raisch, another resident, worries that even small eligibility changes could disqualify him.
“I’m in real danger of being eliminated from the program altogether,” Raisch said. “If that happens, it’ll be disastrous for me. I barely qualify as it is, and without Medicaid, I’d have nowhere to go.”
Raisch urged lawmakers to protect vulnerable residents:
“My suggestion to the legislatures or anyone in power: do your job.”
Assisted Living Facilities Could Struggle
The concerns aren’t limited to individuals. Anne Marie Gill, executive director of Dayspring Villa, warned that funding cuts could devastate facilities like hers.
“Eighty percent of our residents are on Medicaid, and we already receive only 70–80% of the actual reimbursement cost,” Gill said. “Any cuts would have a serious impact across the board.”
She stressed that Medicaid isn’t optional for residents:
“It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Without it, many would be on the streets.”
Residents Plan Sit-In to Raise Awareness
To fight back, Bennett and other residents are organizing a sit-in outside Dayspring Villa on West 26th Avenue to draw attention to the issue.
As lawmakers head into the special session on Thursday, residents are urging them to remember what’s at stake.
“If we’re going to be the great country that we claim to be,” Bennett said, “we’re going to help our elderly — and that starts with protecting Medicaid.”
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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