Media

Annie Lee, president and CEO of Colorado Access, released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed a budget reconciliation package that includes significant cuts to Medicaid funding: “With the advancement of this legislation, we are deeply concerned that its policies will undermine the health and stability of more than one million Coloradans. By slashing … Read More

Colorado Access announces a strategic partnership with Innovaccer Inc., a leading health care AI company. Through the partnership, Colorado Access will leverage the Innovaccer population health management platform to streamline reporting and enhance care coordination, with a strong focus on implementing health care effectiveness data and information set (HEDIS) quality measures. Th organization will also … Read More

AURORA, Colo. — Colorado Access is proud to be the recipient of the 2025 Lean On Me Organizational Award by Envision:You, a longstanding partner dedicated to closing gaps in behavioral health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. Each year, the Lean On Me Award recognizes an institution and individual that have dedicated time and work to the … Read More

Aurora, Colo. – Annie Lee, president and CEO of Colorado Access, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation package that includes significant cuts to Medicaid funding:  “As the House of Representatives just approved legislation that includes substantial cuts to Medicaid and other safety-net programs, we are increasingly alarmed … Read More

AURORA, Colo.— Colorado Access announces the addition of Liz Owens, vice president of government relations, to its executive leadership team. In the newly created role, Owens leads the organization’s government partnerships and contract strategy, including overseeing the organization’s Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) plans, policy engagement, and legislative … Read More

Aurora, CO – Annie Lee, president and CEO of Colorado Access, released the following statement after the Energy and Commerce Committee voted to cut Medicaid funding by advancing the health portion of the federal budget reconciliation package:    “Access to health care and the wellbeing of individuals, communities, and our economy are now in jeopardy following … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Access is proud to celebrate Dr. William Wright, chief medical officer, as the 2024 Colorado recipient of the Copic Humanitarian Award. The honor,  awarded by Copic and the Colorado Medical Society recognizes physicians whose volunteer efforts leave a lasting impact on their communities. With a career spanning more than four decades, … Read More

Aurora, CO – Annie Lee, president and CEO of Colorado Access, released the following statement after the passage of a budget resolution by the Republican-controlled Congress that directs $880 billion in cuts to the committee that oversees Medicaid funding: “We are devastated to consider the health and economic impacts our communities would suffer from such … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Access is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashlie Brown as the company’s first chief strategy & technology officer (CSTO). In this role, Brown will play a critical role in shaping the company’s vision, supporting its mission, and aligning technology with strategy to drive financial stability, operational excellence, and long-term growth. … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Access is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Dr. James G. Mann Scholarship, established in partnership with the Denver Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship Foundation (DKAPSF). The inaugural scholarship will be awarded annually and honors Dr. James G. Mann, Colorado’s first African American gastroenterologist. Mann’s legacy of perseverance, leadership, and commitment … Read More

DENVER — Colorado Access is proud to announce that Bobby King, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), has been named a 2025 recipient of the prestigious Menola Upshaw Lifetime Achievement Award, a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission Humanitarian Award. The Menola Upshaw Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the longtime executive … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Developing behavioral health provider communities that reflect the demographics of the communities they serve is essential to change the current mental health trends; it increases engagement with health care providers, addresses health disparities, and ensures equitable access. A 2023 report on mental health professional demographics and statistics in the United States showed … Read More

AURORA, Colo. — Colorado Access, the state’s largest and most experienced public sector health plan, is proud to announce that President and CEO Annie Lee, has been named a Denver Business Journal Most Admired CEO. The award highlights Annie’s contribution to the company since joining in 2022, and to the community that Colorado Access serves. … Read More

The Latinx Immunization Access Program Increased COVID-19 Vaccination Rates and Health Care Access by Building Trust and Removing Barriers   AURORA, Colo. – While the first COVID-19 vaccination was being made available in 2020, Colorado Access designed what was known later as the Latinx Immunization Access Program (LIAP). The LIAP aims to increase trust in … Read More

AURORA, Colo —  AccessCare Services, a subsidiary of Colorado Access, is excited to announce the publication of the article “The Value-Based Proposition of an Adapted Integrated Care Telehealth Service for Members of an Accountable Care Organization.” The study, which appears in the medical journal Psychiatric Services, highlights the significant achievements of the Virtual Care Collaboration … Read More

Partnership increases options and resources in the state AURORA, Colo. — Colorado Access announced a partnership with national eating disorder organization, EDCare. As part of a larger initiative to increase network adequacy, the nonprofit organization has focused on partnerships related to eating disorders and other specialized services, with  a multi-million dollar investment in EDCare to … Read More

Colorado Access Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Adds Expertise to Board Working Toward Healthy and Inclusive Communities AURORA, Colo. — Colorado Access has announced that Bobby King, who serves as vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the public sector health plan serving Health First Colorado and Child Health Plan Plus … Read More

AURORA, Colo.—  For the second year in a row, Colorado Access, the state’s largest and most experienced public sector health plan, has been named a 2024 Denver Post Top Workplace. The Denver Post Top Workplaces distinction is awarded based solely on employee feedback gathered through a comprehensive survey administered by Energage, LLC. Colorado Access once … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Access, a nonprofit health plan, has appointed Dr. William Wright as the company’s newest chief medical officer. Dr. Wright has been with the company since 2019, and brings a wealth of experience delivering high-quality, affordable, and equitable, team-based integrated care. “In this role, I look forward to looking in and outside … Read More

AURORA, Colo. —  In order to escape persecution, war, violence, or other turmoil, thousands of refugees from throughout the world enter the United States. Each year,  many of them seek a better life here in Colorado. According to the most recent data from Colorado refugee services, more than 4,000 refugees came to the state in … Read More

AURORA, Colo. — As part of a move toward person-centered models of care, Colorado Access is partnering with the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (CCDC) and Family Voices to enhance the support of and partnership with members with disabilities and children and youth with special health care needs. Through this initiative, Colorado Access staff, members, and providers … Read More

With a Focus on Training, Entrepreneurship Tools and Mentoring, These Organizations are Working to Strengthen BIPOC Doula Offerings and Reduce Health Disparities for Black Birthers DENVER – As health care priorities grow around equitable, culturally relevant services to fundamentally address the health and social determinants of health of diverse communities, so does the need to … Read More

AURORA, Colo. — Colorado Access announces the appointment of Jaime Moreno as the organization’s new chief communications and member experience officer. This newly created position at Colorado Access is a testament to the organization’s commitment to providing the best quality health care alongside member-centered communications. As the chief communications and member experience officer, Moreno will … Read More

Colorado Medicaid plan selects market-leading measurement-based care platform to support providers in measuring treatment effectiveness, leading to improved member outcomes and reduced costs. Owl, a behavioral health technology company, today announced that Colorado Access, the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in Colorado, has selected Owl to help providers deliver more effective and … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Access has added five new board members to its robust board of directors, bringing together a wealth of experience from multiple sectors. The new members add additional valuable backgrounds and expertise. The following members have been recently appointed: Helen Drexler, chief executive officer of Delta Dental of Colorado Fernando Pineda-Reyes, the … Read More

Aurora, Colo. — Colorado Access is celebrating civic engagement this month as part of its ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion Speaker Series. The organization is honored to welcome Senator Rhonda Fields and her daughter Maisha Fields as esteemed presenters for July’s Speaker Series, an event offered to Colorado Access employees. Following the murder of Senator … Read More

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – UST HealthProof, with its partner HealthEdge, successfully launched their core administrative platform solution at Colorado Access in November 2022. After a review in 2021, Colorado Access concluded it could achieve increased efficiencies, better performance, streamlined operations and a better member experience in moving to an integrated model with HealthEdge. In the … Read More

DENVER – Colorado Access, one of the largest employers in Aurora, Colo., has been named a 2023 Denver Post Top Workplace based on survey feedback from its employees. In order to obtain this award, employees of Colorado Access took a survey administered by Denver Post technology partner Energage, LLC. The survey measured 15 culture drivers … Read More

AURORA, Colo. —  Colorado Access announced an in-network contract with CuraWest, a Guardian Recovery Network facility that removes a significant financial barrier many Colorado residents face when seeking treatment for substance use disorders. Coloradans cite inadequate insurance coverage and absence of affordable treatment services as the largest preventative factors they face in receiving behavioral healthcare … Read More

Aurora, CO – Colorado Access, the state’s largest and most experienced public sector health plan, announced the formation, funding, and launch of the Colorado Access Foundation. The Foundation, working with partners from across the state, will be a catalyst in improving community health in Colorado. By strategically investing in communities, the Foundation will promote innovative … Read More

As the continuous Medicaid enrollment put in place during the public health emergency comes to a close, Colorado Access helps members navigate their next steps to maintain health care coverage DENVER  – Colorado Access, the largest and most experienced public sector health plan in the state, is enacting widespread outreach and coordination with members, providers, … Read More

DENVER – Earlier this year, Colorado Access named Annie Lee as its first new president and CEO in 16 years. She also became the first woman and person of color to hold the role. Now, after more than eight months of immersing herself in the organization and its mission, Lee is growing the nonprofit organization’s … Read More

Newport Beach, CA – Colorado Access announced a partnership with Vital Data Technology, a data science-driven health care solutions leader, to improve the acquisition, processing, and utilization of data for their Quality Improvement initiatives. Colorado Access contracts with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, a department of the State of Colorado, to … Read More

AURORA , Colo. – Colorado Access welcomed U.S. Representative Jason Crow to its offices on October 19, 2022 along with several local provider partners, to receive formal recognition in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The congressman presented Colorado Access, Aurora Health Alliance, Mi Casa Resource Center, Salud Family Health, Servicios de la Raza, STRIDE Community … Read More

DENVER — Colorado Access has announced that Dan Rieber, chief financial officer for UCHealth, will be joining its board of directors. Rieber has a long history of working in health care finance; his professional history includes more than two decades of experience and positions in hospitals in Colorado and Iowa that he will bring to … Read More

DENVER — A community in need of help with food security and healthy eating now has a new food bank thanks, in part, to a partnership between Colorado Access and the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. On July 31st an event was held at St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church to launch … Read More

By Integrating Care with Several Middle and High School Health Centers, This Program Works to Address the State’s Pediatric Mental Health Crisis DENVER – With the toll the pandemic has taken on youth in terms of isolation, missed experiences and fragmented learning, children and youth are struggling to access resources to address their increased mental … Read More

DENVER – Colorado Access announced today that Donald Moore has been elected to its Board of Directors. Moore is the CEO of Pueblo Community Health Center (PCHC) and will join the board in August of this year. “We are excited to welcome Donald to the Board and benefit from his vast experience in community health,” … Read More

Our mission, to “partner with communities and empower people through access to quality, equitable, and affordable care,” continues to guide our efforts within the community. Last week’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States will make accessing equitable care more difficult and intensify inequities in some of our most vulnerable communities across the … Read More

Aurora, Colo – Colorado Access, the largest public sector health plan in the state, announced that Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bobby King is the recipient of the inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award by Denver Business Journal. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of our core values at Colorado Access,” said Annie … Read More

Colorado Access Tackles Challenges Faced by Behavioral Health Providers With Funding, Reimbursement Increases, Incentive Programs and Specialty Trainings DENVER – In Colorado and nationwide, the behavioral health workforce faces staffing shortages, lacks cultural and linguistic diversity and isn’t always in a position to offer culturally responsive care to meet the needs of patients. Nationally, the … Read More

Aurora, Colo – Colorado Access, the largest public sector health plan in the state, has announced the expansion of their Child Health Plan Plus plan into Kit Carson County, in eastern Colorado. This expansion goes into effect July 1, 2022, and brings a continued health plan option for children ages 18 and younger as well … Read More

Aurora, Colo – Colorado Access, the largest public sector health plan in the state, announced that Dr. Alexis Giese, senior vice president of health care systems and chief medical officer, was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Colorado Psychiatric Society for outstanding contributions to the field of mental health. “Colorado Access has a … Read More

DENVER – Colorado’s Hispanic/Latino community makes up nearly 22% of the state’s population (the second largest population behind white/non-Hispanic) and yet has many unmet needs when it comes to accessing culturally responsive physical and behavioral health care. Throughout the pandemic, this community has faced disproportionate health and economic impacts, including a higher risk of COVID-19 … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – In response to pandemic-related provider shortages, increased costs and a heightened demand for behavioral health services, Colorado Access is investing $12 million in its behavioral health provider network by providing additional financial reimbursement for services provided to health plan members. “We’re on a mission to improve the health of Coloradans, and this … Read More

DENVER – The Colorado Access Board of Directors has appointed Annie H. Lee, JD as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of Colorado Access. Ms. Lee will start in her new role on February 14, 2022. In April 2021, current President/CEO Marshall Thomas, MD announced his plan to retire by the first quarter of … Read More

(Burlington, Mass., Nov. 16, 2021) – HealthEdge Software today said it is excited to upgrade long-time Altruista Health customer Colorado Access to a fully integrated ecosystem with the addition of HealthRules Payor® (HRP) to its operations via HealthEdge’s complementary Business Process as a Service (BPaaS) partner, UST HealthProof, a UST company. Colorado Access has relied on Altruista’s … Read More

The Local Nonprofit Organization Uses Data on Demographics and Social Determinants of Health to Adjust Outreach Strategies, With Promising Results DENVER – October 26, 2021 – Nationwide, Medicaid enrollees are getting vaccinated at significantly lower rates than the general population. September data shows that 49.9% of Colorado Access members in Denver county are fully vaccinated, … Read More

The Two Local Nonprofits are Evaluating Initial Results From Nearly 500 Patient Screens and See Potential for Greater Impact DENVER – September 13, 2021 – Suicidal ideation is one of the top 10 reasons for emergency department (ED) visits among Colorado Access members. At the national level, a recent study published in the Journal of … Read More

Colorado Access Allocated Funding to Providers Serving the State’s Native Population, Set Up Telehealth Rooms at Area Shelters and Even Supported a Full-Time Case Manager DENVER – June 23, 2021 – Native Americans are one of the most likely groups to experience homelessness compared to all other racial or ethnic groups (source). In Denver, Native … Read More

King Will Build on Current DEI Energy and Momentum, Allowing Colorado Access to Better Deliver on its Mission and Serve the Underserved DENVER – June 7, 2021 – Colorado Access announces the appointment of Robert “Bobby” King as its vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In this newly created position, King will work … Read More

Colorado Access Supports Section 9 of SB21-194 to Extend Maternal Health Benefits of Medicaid Members From 60 Days to 12 Months, Allowing New Mothers Access to Critical Physical and Behavioral Care DENVER – May 4, 2021 – In the context of a nation grappling with a maternal health crisis that is disproportionately felt by women … Read More

Denver – Colorado Access, the state’s largest and most experienced Medicaid health plan, announced today that its longtime President and Chief Executive Officer, Marshall Thomas, MD, will retire within the next year. Dr. Thomas has been the executive leader of the organization since 2006 and leaves the health plan positioned for continued success and in … Read More

DENVER – March 31, 2021 – Colorado Access is working to support participating providers in their efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines fairly in Colorado, ensuring they are accessible to marginalized and underserved populations while also following guidelines issued by the state. The nonprofit organization sees disparities within its own member data when it comes to … Read More

DENVER – Paul Huberty has joined Colorado Access to lead its strategic services and communications team. As vice president of this integral group, Huberty will lead the corporate strategy, strategic communications, and learning and development departments at the company. Huberty brings 27 years of experience in the health care field, with a range of leadership … Read More

The Nonprofit Organization Reinvested Funds to Help Combat COVID-19, Increase Food Security, and Housing Support for Community Members DENVER – More than 150 community organizations and health care providers in the Denver metropolitan area received supplemental funding in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $10 million was reinvested back into the community by Colorado Access, a … Read More

DENVER – Colorado Access announced its support of Proposition EE. If passed, the proposition will create a new tax on nicotine vaping products and raise existing taxes on tobacco products. The tax is projected to contribute more than $168 million just next year alone back into the Colorado economy. Colorado Access is one of more … Read More

DENVER – Colorado Access announced the third installment in their release of funds to support providers and the community through COVID-19 relief efforts in the state. With the pandemic disproportionately affecting communities of color, the goal is to support those providers serving the communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our plan all along has … Read More

AURORA, Colo.  – Colorado Access, a nonprofit community-based health plan striving to improve the health and lives of the underserved, today awarded $1.83 million to 19 organizations across Colorado to support the transformation of a coordinated, accountable system of care that improves health delivery and reduces inequities exacerbated by COVID-19. The Community Innovation Pool awards … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Access, a 501(c)4 nonprofit health plan serving the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) populations, hosted U.S. Representative Diana DeGette for an invite-only, virtual townhall focusing on the state of primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The townhall focused on telehealth, the public health system, and access to primary care … Read More

AURORA, Colo – Colorado Access, a local nonprofit health care company, volunteered to participate in the statewide Business Process Reengineering project. Specifically, the Colorado Access medical assistance site volunteered and was the only site chosen from the Denver metropolitan region to participate in the project, sponsored by the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Access, a 501(c)4 nonprofit health plan serving the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) populations, hosted U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner for an invite-only, bipartisan virtual townhall. The townhall focused on access to and the importance of behavioral health services in Colorado in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. … Read More

DENVER – Colorado Access announces the release of $1.2 million to support its provider network and community partners through COVID-19 relief efforts in the state. Given the urgency of the COVID-19 outbreak and financial impacts to providers, these funds are being distributed to support these entities so that they can continue to serve members and … Read More

AURORA, Colo – Colorado Access, a local nonprofit health care company, was selected to participate in the Consumer Partnership Early Adopter Program. This program was created by the Center to Advance Consumer Partnership (CACP) – a partnership between Commonwealth Care Alliance and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “We are excited to begin this work with … Read More

AURORA, Colo – Paula Kautzmann, chief information officer at Colorado Access, was named as a finalist for the 2020 Colorado CIO of the Year ORBIE Awards. Kautzmann was chosen as a finalist amongst 75 nominations received. “Paula has brought technology and innovation to a new level at Colorado Access,” says Marshall Thomas, MD, president and … Read More

AURORA, Colo – Colorado Access, a local nonprofit health care company, donated materials and supplies to local area nonprofit organizations, furthering the company’s mission to partner with communities and empower people through access to quality, affordable care. “We live and work in the community, just like our members and providers, so it is important to … Read More

DENVER – Robert Bremer, vice president of network strategy at Colorado Access, joins the Alternatives to Jail advisory group, sponsored by Caring for Denver Foundation. Bremer also serves as commissioner and co-chair of the Denver Crime Prevention and Control Commission (CPCC). “Colorado is one of the healthiest states in the nation, but this can be … Read More

DENVER – Gretchen McGinnis, senior vice president of health care systems and accountable care at Colorado Access, has been selected to serve on the Division of Insurance Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative. The Collaborative, having most recently met on August 19, 2019, focuses on improving primary care and offering recommendations to the insurance commissioner about … Read More

DENVER – Colorado Access is pleased to announce that Alexis Giese, MD, senior vice president of health care systems and chief medical officer at the nonprofit health plan, has been selected as a member of the Long-Term Competency subcommittee of the Colorado Behavioral Health Task Force. The task force, formed by the Colorado Department of … Read More

DENVER – Colorado Access, a local nonprofit health plan that serves members throughout Colorado, has joined Catalyst HTI, a health care innovation campus located in the heart of the River North (RiNo) district in Denver, CO. Colorado Access is the only organization in Colorado caring for members across the continuum of health services, from Health … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Access announces the addition of Stephanie Glover as the senior health policy analyst. Glover brings years of health policy experience to the company, helping fortify Colorado Access as a leader in health care policy in Colorado. “Stephanie’s background working with the different populations to increase access to quality, affordable health care … Read More

AURORA, Colo. – AccessCare Services, the telehealth subsidiary of Colorado Access, is pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from the Rose Community Foundation to support the delivery of behavioral health services such as depression screening, counseling, and medication management, for pregnant and postpartum women in the Colorado Access network. The grant will leverage … Read More

AURORA, Colo. — Colorado Access is pleased to announce that Gretchen McGinnis, senior vice president of health care systems and accountable care at the nonprofit health plan, was selected to be part of an important new committee. The State Innovation Model (SIM) Rural Health Innovation Global Budgets Workgroup is a 24-member workgroup, which started meeting … Read More

DENVER — Colorado Access, a leader in providing excellent access to quality care, is now leveraging new technology to improve communications to its million-plus members. The Colorado based nonprofit health plan serving Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus members announced today a collaboration with Welltok to coordinate and streamline member communications. Welltok’s EngageME solution organizes … Read More

AURORA, Colo. — Colorado Access is excited to announce that Alexis Giese, MD, senior vice president of healthcare systems and chief medical officer at the nonprofit health plan, is an honoree for the 2018 C-Suite Awards, the annual award by the Denver Business Journal to recognize executives who have made a significant contribution to the … Read More