Governor Polis Welcomes Secretary Becerra to Colorado, Highlights Colorado’s Leadership to Make Prescription Drugs More Affordable

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis welcomed Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to Colorado where he and the Secretary discussed Colorado and the Biden Administration’s leadership to save people money on prescription drugs. The Governor and Secretary discussed efforts to continue lowering healthcare costs, specifically prescription drugs, and state and federal efforts to support Latino healthcare providers.   

“Coloradans and Americans across the country cannot afford their prescription drugs. We are focused on reducing healthcare costs so Coloradans aren't forced to decide between paying their rent, buying groceries, and filling up their tank because of high prescription drug prices. I am thankful for the Secretary’s leadership in making healthcare more affordable and look forward to our continued partnership,” said Governor Polis. 

Under Governor Polis’s leadership, Colorado has been a national model for tackling high prescription drug prices, lowering healthcare costs, and saving people money. In 2021, Governor Polis capped the price of a 30-day supply of insulin at $100 and capped the cost of EpiPens at $60 for two packs, making sure this life-saving medication was affordable for all Coloradans. Governor Polis also signed legislation to create the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board which may cap the price of specific prescription drugs if they are found to be unaffordable. Colorado law requires insurance companies to pass these savings on to Coloradans through lower out-of-pocket costs and premium reductions. 

In 2021 Governor Polis created the landmark Colorado Option, providing Coloradans with a market of competitive private healthcare plans, including undocumented individuals through the OmniSalud initiative. Colorado also created a nation-leading reinsurance program which is saving consumers $411 million dollars on healthcare premiums in 2024. 

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