Protecting Colorado's Preventative Health Care Coverage

Planned Parenthood Supports SB 20-156

DENVER, CO - Planned Parenthood Votes Colorado (PPVC) announced their support for SB 20-156. The bill supports protecting Coloradans’ preventive health care coverage and addressing an alarming increase in sexually transmitted infections through SB 20-156 (Protecting Preventive Health Care Coverage).

The bill protects co-pay free preventive health care like blood pressure screening, lung cancer screening, statin medication, and birth control, currently covered under the Affordable Care Act. The measure also expands co-pay free coverage for sexually transmitted infection testing to men in addition to women, and it takes a preventive approach to STIs, rather than treatment-after-infection approach.

“PPVC supports expansion of access to health care, especially these commonsense efforts that prevent health issues before they occur. Colorado has seen a steady and alarming increase in STIs in recent years, including a 182% increase in gonorrhea. This bill would protect preventive health coverage from any political attacks and ensure that both men and women get equal treatment for sexually transmitted infections. That’s the most effective way to have an impact on the increase in STIs,” said Vicki Cowart, President & CEO of PPVC.

The bill also allows Colorado Medicaid patients to choose their provider when it comes to family planning-related services.

“Colorado is one of the healthiest places to live in this country and we need to continue to prevent health problems rather than take the more expensive path of treatment after the fact. SB 20-156 will help achieve that goal and protect Colorado residents from any attack on their coverage,” said Cowart.

The Protecting Preventive Health Care Coverage Act goes to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee on Wednesday upon adjournment.

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Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Action Fund is a non-partisan, 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that engages in education and electoral activity, including legislative advocacy, voter education and grassroots organizing to promote Planned Parenthood’s mission.