- By Indivisible Denver
- February 21, 2026
- 0 Comments
The Ugly Impacts of H.R. 1 / the “Big Beautiful Bill” in Colorado
2026 State Level Priorities & Opportunities for Action
Thank you to Adam Fox, Deputy Director Colorado Consumer Health Initiative for joinin us for our February in-person event.
What’s at Stake for Colorado: Federal Cuts and the Fight for Affordable Health Care
The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI) is a statewide, non-partisan, non-profit voice for Coloradans who face barriers to affordable, equitable, and high-quality health care. Today, that mission is more urgent than ever. Here’s what’s happening — and what we can do about it.
CCHI advocates for Coloradans whose health care access and financial security are threatened by structural barriers, unaffordable costs, inadequate benefits, or unfair practices by the health care industry. In short: real people who need real protections.
The Federal Threat: H.R. 1
Because Colorado’s tax code conforms to federal law, H.R. 1 hits our state budget immediately. The consequences are severe across multiple fronts.
Tax Cuts for the Wealthy, Higher Costs for Everyone Else.
ACA Coverage at Risk.
Medicaid Cuts — $900 Billion.
SNAP Cuts — $290 Billion.
Colorado’s Response
Colorado is fighting back on several fronts. Legislators are working to protect Medicaid within an $850 million budget gap, secure sustainable funding for the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise (which supports premium assistance and immigrant coverage programs), and address health care consolidation through greater transparency.
HB26-1267 would protect Coloradans from predatory medical debt collection practices — banning wage garnishment, foreclosure on primary residences, and requiring affordable payment plans. HB26-1276 would protect immigrant community members from deportation threats when accessing health care, schools, and other essential services. A proposed shift to a graduated income tax structure could raise $2 billion for health care, education, and child care.
What You Can Do Today
Join CCHI for the Health Care Day of Action on March 13. Sign up for action alerts, contact your legislators, share your story, testify, or write a letter to the editor. Volunteer with Protect Colorado’s Future.
Every voice matters in this fight.