Colorado Moves Closer To Universal Coverage of Abortion Care
New Law Requires All Private Plans to Fully Cover Abortion, Without Out-of-Pocket Costs
Starting in January 2025, private health insurance policies sold in Colorado must cover the cost of abortions without requiring patients to pay copays.
State residents will have broad access to full coverage for abortion care, thanks to a law passed in 2023. Colorado already has strong legal protections for abortion rights enshrined in the state constitution.
Kim Kaiser, policy director for the Human Rights Campaign, lauds Colorado’s Reproductive Health Equity Act. “It’s going to change millions and millions of lives, because at the end of the day, it levels the playing field”, Kaiser hedged in 2023. “It ensures everyone, regardless of their income or their profession, (has) access to the healthcare they need without any financial barriers.”
Before the law, insurance plans in Colorado needed an abortion rider, requiring individuals to pay extra. “A lot of people will no longer face those extra fees, making a significant difference, especially for those who might be choosing between commuting, accessing this vital care or deciding between choosing bills or food."
The law will also force coverage to include medication abortions, condoms, vasectomies, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections without denials or restrictions.
“What is magnificent extraordinary about this law is it closes these gaps, those barriers to care for many incarcerated, for those that relied on Medicaid," that will see a huge change thanks to the law. “We have been working for years to remove barriers to reproductive healthcare in our state," added US Senator Brittany,
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What are the specific provisions of the new Colorado law regarding abortion coverage by private health insurance plans?
## Colorado Enshrines Abortion Rights: An Interview
**Host:** Joining us today is Kim Kaiser, policy director for the Human Rights Campaign, to discuss Colorado’s groundbreaking new law ensuring comprehensive coverage of abortion care. Kim, welcome to the show.
**Kim Kaiser:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Colorado has long been a champion of reproductive rights, enshrining abortion protections in its constitution. This new law takes things a step further. Tell us, what does it mean for Coloradans?
**Kim Kaiser:** It’s a historic victory for reproductive justice in Colorado. Starting in January 2025, all private health insurance plans must cover abortion care without any out-of-pocket costs for patients. This means copays, deductibles, and other financial barriers will be eliminated.
**Host:** That’s significant. Before this law, were many people struggling to afford abortions even with insurance?
**Kim Kaiser:** Absolutely. Many plans required an optional “abortion rider,” which added an extra cost. This created a huge financial burden for many Coloradans, especially those already facing financial hardship.
**Host:** You mentioned “levels the playing field.” Can you elaborate on that?
**Kim Kaiser:** It means everyone, regardless of their income or job, will have equal access to the essential healthcare they need. No one should have to choose between paying for rent, food, or accessing critical reproductive healthcare.
**Host:** The law also expands coverage beyond abortion. What else does it cover?
**Kim Kaiser:** It goes further by including coverage for medication abortions, condoms, vasectomies, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections – all without denials or restrictions. This truly creates a comprehensive approach to reproductive healthcare.
**Host:** Colorado is setting a powerful example for other states to follow. What message do you hope this sends?
**Kim Kaiser:** We hope that Colorado’s leadership inspires other states to prioritize reproductive justice. Healthcare is a human right, and everyone deserves access to the care they need without facing financial barriers.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Kim.
**Kim Kaiser:** It was my pleasure.
