Public News Service

When the school year ends, millions of children from households with low incomes lose access to the school meals they rely on. Help is available. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

CO families must sign up to get $120 per child for food through Summer EBT

Colorado families must sign up before the end of April to receive $120 per child to buy food through the new Summer EBT program approved by Congress…

Most of the USDA produce samples tested in this year's Dirty Dozen list from the Environmental Working Group were within the legal allowance for chemical pesticide residue. (Adobe Stock)

Strawberries top Dirty Dozen list of produce packed with pesticides

Nonorganic fruits and vegetables are loaded with chemical pesticides, including fungicides which can harm male reproductive systems, according to the …

A new walk-in program provides immediate, in-person support for urgent mental health and substance use needs for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, whether or not they are an existing client, or speak English. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

Boulder and Broomfield County residents can now access mental health services the same way they can access urgent medical care. Dr. Nadia Haddad…

Older Coloradans who may have never been issued a birth certificate because they were born at home qualify for assistance getting vital documents, including identification cards but many cannot access Colorado's Necessary Documents Program. (Adobe Stock)

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

Advocates are urging Colorado lawmakers to make key improvements to a state program seen as critical to helping people fleeing domestic violence or ex…

A wide body of research has linked traffic pollution to premature death, lung cancer, asthma and other negative health impacts. (Adobe Stock)

Nurses, environmental groups welcome Biden's clean car standards

On Wednesday, the Biden administration announced new tailpipe pollution standards that will give automakers more time to ramp up production of zero-…

After lawmakers passed House Bill 1232 in 2021, standardized Colorado Option health insurance was developed with extensive input from consumers, insurers, health providers, rural communities and other stakeholders. (Adobe Stock)

Tracking effectiveness of Colorado’s Public Option health coverage

Colorado's standardized health-insurance plan, known as the Colorado Option, is changing how consumers interact with insurance, according to a new …

Health advocates are urging the Polis administration to put terminations for vulnerable populations on hold while the state digs into what is causing outsize losses of Medicaid coverage. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado’s Medicaid insurance terminations seventh highest in nation

Two-thirds of Coloradans who have lost their health insurance during Medicaid's unwinding process are still eligible for coverage - but were terminate…

Colorado's share of Healthy School Meals for All, approved by voters in 2022, was meant to be paid for by Coloradans who earn $300,000 or more per year. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy School Meals for All program faces $24 million budget gap

Colorado lawmakers are considering ways to address a projected $24 million funding shortfall in the Healthy School Meals for All program, and grants …

La falta de claridad en torno a la cobertura de los Beneficios de Salud Esenciales para la atenci�n materna a nivel federal significa que muchas pacientes encuentran l�mites en los servicios prenatales y de parto cubiertos, y una cobertura inconsistente de los servicios de lactancia. (Adobe)

Defensores presionan para actualizar la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio

El número de personas con cobertura médica de la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio está en aumento, pero muchos no son capaces …

Lack of clarity around Essential Health Benefit coverage for maternal health care at the federal level means that many patients encounter limits on prenatal and delivery services covered, and inconsistent coverage of breastfeeding and lactation services. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates press Biden to update Affordable Care Act essential benefits

The number of people with Affordable Care Act health coverage is on the rise, but many are not able to access the care they need to get and stay …

The Colorado Avalanche and Xcel Energy are helping fundraise for Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit that in 2023 helped more than 38,289 Colorado households through energy efficiency gains, connecting with community solar gardens and crisis-intervention services. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Avalanche scores an assist on energy bills

The Colorado Avalanche has teamed up with Xcel Energy to generate funds to help people struggling to pay their energy bills this winter. Every time …

Over the past two years, corporate executives have been explicit in earnings reports about how they have exploited their pricing power to boost profits, and how they will continue to do so even as inflation comes down. (Adobe Stock)

Report: 'Greedflation' primary driver of higher consumer prices

As corporate profits remain at all-time highs, a new report shows that more than half of rising consumer prices in 2023 were caused by corporate …

AARP Colorado trabaja en colaboraci�n con las comunidades de todo el estado, uniendo a la gente y proporcionando recursos y experiencia para ayudar a que los condados, pueblos y ciudades de Colorado sean grandes lugares para vivir para personas de todas las edades. (Adobe Stock)

Dinero disponible para ayudar a mejorar las comunidades

A-A-R-P Colorado está convocando proyectos creativos que ayuden a mejorar comunidades enteras, especialmente aquellas de 50 años o más…

AARP Colorado works in collaboration with communities across the state, bringing people<br />together, and providing resources and expertise to help make Colorado's counties, towns and<br />cities great places to live for people of all ages. (Adobe Stock)

Money available to help improve communities

AARP Colorado is putting out the call for creative projects that help improve entire communities, especially those age 50 and older, for this year's …

In 2019, Colorado adopted requirements for the state to cut climate-warming emissions in the near term at least 26% by 2025 and 50% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

PUC scales back renewable electricity, adds new natural-gas plants

Even though 2023 was the hottest year on record, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission is adding more fossil fuel-generated power and scaling back …

In 2022, 29.3 million adults, representing 11.2% of the population, reported having three or more chronic conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado 12th healthiest state in nation as chronic conditions rise

Colorado is the 12th healthiest state in the nation, according to the latest America's Health Rankings report. But the number of Coloradans dealing …

In 2022, Craig Unit 3 in Colorado emitted over 2.8 million tons of CO2, more than 1,700 tons of acid rain-causing SO2, and more than 2,900 tons of ozone-causing NOx. (Adobe Stock)

Tri-State's plan would close two coal-fired power plants

Colorado's second-largest electricity provider is leaning into federal Inflation Reduction Act dollars to retire two coal-fired power plants…

No tener dinero para pagar del bolsillo, no poder ausentarse del trabajo y la falta de medios de transporte confiables son algunos de los obst�culos para acceder a la atenci�n preventiva. (Adobe Stock)

Informe: Más habitantes de CO pueden acceder a atención médica preventiva

En general, más habitantes de Colorado están recibiendo la atención que necesitan para mantenerse sanos en comparación con añ…

Not having money for out of pocket costs, not being able to take time off work and a lack of reliable transportation are some of the barriers to accessing preventative care. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Coloradans able to access preventative health care

Overall, more Coloradans are getting the care they need to stay healthy compared to previous years, according to a new analysis of data in the …

Colorado rate payers are still on the hook for $500 million after grid failures in Texas created a spike in natural gas prices in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Coloradans brace for winter heating bills

After Coloradans cranked up the heat to welcome family members for Thanksgiving dinner, many are worried about the price they will pay when their …

While enrollment in SilverEnhanced Savings has hit the funding cap, undocumented Coloradans who are not eligible for other programs can still get health insurance through Omni-Salud. (Adobe Stock)

Strong demand among undocumented Coloradans for health coverage

Colorado's Omni-Salud program - which allows low-income undocumented Coloradans and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients to enroll in aff…

En 2021, los m�dicos de los Centros de Salud Comunitarios de Colorado trataron a casi 950,000 pacientes en 2.7 millones de visitas de atenci�n primaria, as� como de atenci�n dental, oftalmol�gica, de salud mental y de abuso de sustancias. (Adobe Stock)

Problemas en el Congreso podrían afectar acceso a atención médica en CO

Los centros de salud comunitarios de Colorado, que atienden a todos los pacientes independientemente de su capacidad de pago, llevan ya un mes en su …

In 2021, clinicians at Community Health Centers in Colorado treated nearly 950,000 patients in 2.7 million visits for primary care as well as dental, vision, mental health and substance abuse concerns. (Adobe Stock)

Troubles in Congress could impact health-care access for Coloradans

Colorado's community health centers that serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay are already one month into their new fiscal year…

Solar canopies are expected to produce nearly 10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, and eliminate 70,000 metric tons of climate pollution over the next decade. (Adobe Stock)

Solar canopies throw shade on Colorado school parking lots

Colorado schools are joining the struggle to hold off the worst impacts of climate change and lower their energy bills by installing solar canopies on…

Just 42% of hospitals informed patents when they could be eligible for charity care, and 45% of nonprofit hospitals routinely send medical bills to patients who quality for charity care. (Adobe Stock)

Navigating the high cost of hospital care and avoiding medical debt

Nearly one in three Americans carry some form of medical debt, and consumer groups are warning patients about the risk of medical bankruptcy posed by …

Financial literacy fairs allow young people to make mistakes with their finances in a realistic but safe environment while developing problem-solving skills around their finances. (Adobe Stock)

CO students get bites of reality in financial planning

Credit unions in Colorado and across the Mountain West are helping high school students tackle money challenges through "Bites of Reality" fairs…

La rentabilidad de agrupar servicios de salud m�dica, bucal y conductual en centros de salud comunitarios a nivel federal ha producido mejores resultados que los que la mayor�a de las consultas de atenci�n primaria pueden demostrar a�o tras a�o. (Adobe Stock)

Reinvertir ahorros de Medicare en centros de salud de Colorado

Los centros de salud comunitarios de la red de seguridad de Colorado están recibiendo un impulso en su financiación después de ahorrarl…

The cost efficiencies of bundling medical, oral and behavioral health services at federally qualified community health centers has produced better outcomes than most primary care practices can demonstrate year after year. (Adobe Stock)

Re-investing Medicare savings in Colorado’s safety net health centers

Colorado's safety net community health centers are getting a boost in funding after saving Medicare over $15 million last year, serving nearly 14,000 …

According to Federal Trade Commission data, in the first six months of 2023, $4.4 billion were lost across more than 1.1 million consumer fraud reports. (Adobe Stock)

Tips offered for avoiding scams this holiday season

As the winter holiday season approaches, consumer advocates and federal agencies are warning the public to be on the lookout for tell-tale signs of a …

September marked the planet's fourth-hottest month in a row, and 2023 is on track to be the hottest year on record. (Adobe Stock)

Surge in renewables keeps hopes of averting worst climate impacts alive

Record growth in wind and solar energy, battery storage and electric vehicle sales have kept the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 within …

One in eight Coloradans, roughly 700,000 residents, currently hold some form of medical debt in collection. (Adobe Stock)

Agency proposes prohibiting medical debt from credit reports

The 100 million Americans currently carrying medical or dental debt could get some relief, after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau took steps …

After decades of cuts to investments in affordable housing at the federal level, rural areas across the U.S. face shrinking, and aging, housing stock. (Adobe Stock)

Race for new affordable housing money could leave Western Slope behind

By Ilana Newman for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabora…

Starting January 1, 2024, a pregnancy opens a special enrollment period for health insurance, after Colorado lawmakers passed House Bill 22-1289. Coverage is retroactive to the month a pregnancy was certified by a health provider. (Adobe Stock)

Health Exchange Open for Coloradans Dropped from Medicaid Rolls

Coloradans who were dropped from the state's Medicaid health insurance plan, Health First Colorado, can sign up for new coverage before open …

Food to Power, a group in Colorado Springs, has redistributed more than $6 million of healthy groceries to struggling families since 2013. (Adobe Stock)

Harvest Celebration Marks Decades-Long Quest to Address Food Insecurity

This year's Food to Power Harvest Festival marks 10 years since Colorado Springs residents launched a food rescue project to get fruits and vegetables…

Al menos 5,934.000 afiliados a Medicaid en todo el pa�s han sido dados de baja de la cobertura m�dica a partir del 8 de septiembre de 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Miles de habitantes de CO con derecho a Medicaid pierden seguro medico

Colorado ocupa el decimoquinto lugar en el país con mayor tasa de personas que pierden el seguro médico de Medicaid después de que las …

At least 5,934,000 Medicaid enrollees nationwide have been dis-enrolled from health coverage as of September 8, 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Thousands of Coloradans Eligible for Medicaid Losing Health Insurance

Colorado ranks 15th in the nation for the highest rate of people losing Medicaid health insurance after pandemic-era protections ended on March 31…

Data show people in rural communities are more likely to live in poverty, have higher mortality rates, and have higher rates of incarceration. (Adobe Stock)

Rural America Organizes to Create More Opportunities

Overall, Colorado has been on the rebound since COVID-19 affected supply chains and shook economies across the globe. But many of the state's rural …

Regulation 28 is a result of a Colorado law aiming to reduce climate pollution from buildings by seven percent by 2026, and to reduce energy use by 20% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

CO Targets Apartment, Commercial, Industrial Building Climate Pollution

Colorado wants to reduce climate pollution from apartments and commercial buildings 50,000 square feet and larger, but there is growing concern …

Nationally, nearly 70 million Americans live in areas without enough dental providers. (Adobe Stock)

One Million Coloradans Lack Access to Dental Care

Just 49% of Coloradans are able to access the dental care they need, and health advocates say increasing the number of licensed dental therapists -- …

Symptoms of asthma are similar to the more common condition of bronchiolitis, and taking medicines designed for asthma alone can be risky. (Adobe Stock)

Low Value Care Costs Patients and Payers $134 Million Per Year

Coloradans received nearly 2 million potentially unnecessary health care services in 2021, at a cost of some $134 million for patients and health …

Greenhouse gas emissions from homes and buildings are responsible for an estimated 20 percent of the nation's total energy-related climate pollution, and are the third-largest contributor of emissions in Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Xcel Plan to Reduce Emissions Includes Untested Technologies

In 2021, Colorado lawmakers required utilities supplying natural gas for heating homes and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4% by 2025…

Credit unions are lending to households and small businesses to install solar and other improvements, which are costly up front, loans frequently considered too small by bigger banks. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Credit Union Helping Decarbonize Homes

July was the hottest month in recorded history, and a Colorado credit union is finding creative ways for low-income and other vulnerable residents to …

RTD may raise the top income to qualify for 50 percent discounted tickets. Under a new plan, a family of four could make a household income of $75,000 or less and qualify for the discount. (Galatas)

Transportation Board to Decide New Fares

The Regional Transportation District is holding a public meeting tomorrow - to decide whether or not to adopt a new fare structure, change existing …

Some crops beneath solar panels only need watering every couple of days, compared with every few hours for those grown in direct sunlight. (Adobe Stock)

Solar-Farming Combos Reducing Water Usage

By Jane Palmer for Ensia.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Ser…

Among adults in Colorado who reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, 28.7% reported needing counseling or therapy but not receiving it in the past four weeks. (Adobe Stock)

Telehealth Expands Access to Mental Health Services in CO

The COVID public health emergency created a spike in the adoption of a wide range of telehealth services, and Coloradans are continuing to access …

Rising temperatures as summer takes hold could stretch budgets for many Coloradans still struggling to pay off winter's price spikes. (Adobe Stock)

Summer Heat Brings Little Relief for High Utility Bills

The same families who had to apply for emergency assistance when heating bills skyrocketed this past winter could face similar challenges this summer…

As of May, more than 5,500 vouchers toward purchasing electric-powered bicycles had been redeemed. (Adobe Stock)

Denver’s E-Bike Rebates So Hot They're Gone Within Minutes

By Whitney Bauck for Bloomberg News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publ…

A new Colorado law calls on insurance carriers to reduce premiums for the Colorado Option plan by 15% for the 2025 plan year. (Adobe Stock)

Public-Option Hearings May Move Insurance, Health Providers to Lower Costs

Rocky Mountain Health Plans and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, health insurance companies that offer lower-cost public option plans, have failed to …

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CO: Consumer