❤️‍🩹 150,000 Coloradans could go uninsured

🩹 Medicaid Changes Cut Deep

Colorado hospitals say that newly implemented federal Medicaid changes will leave 150,000 Coloradans uninsured and add $400-800 million of financial pressure to an already strained system. Those that keep coverage will be impacted by longer waits, fewer services, and greater distances to care. [9News]

• State stats: More than 1.3 million people, or about 22% of the state, are currently enrolled in Colorado’s version of Medicaid, Health First Colorado, just under half of which are children. [Denver7/HCPF]
• Financial strain: 70% of hospitals in the state already had operating margins below sustainability, according to a 2025 Colorado Hospital Association report. [9News]
• Immigration angle: It’s estimated that 5,900 documented, legal immigrants in Colorado will lose access to the program, including refugees and people allowed to live in the United States because they are victims of domestic violence or human trafficking. Green card holders will maintain eligibility. [Denver Post 🔒]
• More to come: Starting in 2027, Medicaid recipients aged 19-64 will be required to work 80 hours per month to maintain eligibility, and coverage will need to be renewed every six months instead of annually. [Denver7]

🏫 School Board Shakeup

Following accusations of policy violations from Denver Public Schools board President Xóchitl Gaytán, board member DJ Torres has resigned, citing “internal conflict.” Alleged violations included missed meetings and failing to attend a conference trip paid for by the district. Per state law, the board has 60 days to fill the vacancy. Meanwhile board member Monica Hunter faces a misconduct investigation over accusations of overstepped authority, conflicts of interest, and derogatory language. [Denverite/Chalkbeat Colorado/Denver Post 🔒]

• Learn more as host Bree Davies breaks down the board’s half-decade of drama on today's pod:

🛴 Free VEO Mile

A pilot program that aims to boost public transit use will offer a free mile of scootering if your ride ends at the University of Denver or Knox RTD stations. The initiative, which was brainstormed for a grad school assignment by then-student Joel Cox, is already underway and will last two years. [Westword]

👶 DIA Childcare Challenges

A 20-spot, drop-in childcare center for staff is expected to open at the airport in 2027. This comes after a recent analysis found capacity for only 11% of infants and 21% of toddlers at licensed childcare centers in areas where most of DIA’s badged employees live. DIA is two years into a study on providing childcare for all its employees. [Denver Post 🔒]

🌱 Dispensary Risks Getting Smoked

The Herbal Cure in West Washington Park is facing foreclosure over a $2,100 late fee, according to owners, who have asked a District Court judge to intervene. But lenders say the owners defaulted on a $2.6 million loan and that the building will be auctioned off Oct. 22. No hearing has been set on the matter. [BusinessDen 🔒]