2026 Colorado Legislative Priorities

In 2026, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will work with the Colorado General Assembly on legislative and regulatory efforts that will preserve comprehensive access to Medicaid services and ensure adequate appropriations funding for lifesaving cancer screening programs, tobacco prevention, education and cessation policies that help people who use tobacco products quit and deter kids from ever using tobacco products. Victory in the fight against cancer requires support for existing and bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to new methods of innovative, quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Coloradans impacted by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease. We will be making the following evidence-based policies a priority and ask for your support:

Ensuring Equitable Access to Quality Cancer Care

• Medicaid Defense: The preservation of eligibility, coverage, and access to Medicaid remains critically important for many low-income state residents who depend on the program for cancer and chronic disease prevention, as well as early detection, diagnostic, and treatment services. ACS CAN will work to ensure Medicaid enrollees have adequate access and coverage and will oppose proposals that create barriers or reduce access to care for cancer patients, survivors, and those who could be diagnosed with cancer.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection: Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Program – Defending Appropriations

• Breast and Cervical Cancer Program Funding: ACS CAN will advocate to sustain projected constitutionally prescribed funding for the state breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment program for low-income uninsured and underinsured women administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment through the Women’s Wellness Connection. Funding for FY 2026-2027 is projected to be $3.6 million. These funds are derived entirely from the Amendment 35 tobacco excise tax.  ACS CAN will remain focused on this line item throughout the appropriations process.

Tobacco Education, Prevention, and Cessation Programs – Defending Appropriations

• Tobacco Education, Prevention and Cessation Program Funding: ACS CAN will work to maintain constitutionally and statutorily prescribed funding for fact-based, statewide tobacco prevention and cessation programs.  Program funding is projected to receive $45.8 million in revenue in FY 2026-2027 from the revenue proceeds of the Amendment 35 tobacco tax and the Proposition EE tobacco excise tax.  ACS CAN will remain focused on this line item throughout the appropriations process.