Medicaid cuts put hospitals at risk, with nine in Colorado - one in Fort Morgan

Colorado hospitals are sounding the alarm after a new report found that federal Medicaid cuts could put more than 400 hospitals nationwide at risk — including nine here in Colorado.

Facilities flagged include North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Longmont United Hospital, Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton, St. Elizabeth Hospital in Fort Morgan, Denver Health, St. Vincent General Hospital in Leadville, UCHealth Grandview Hospital in Colorado Springs, St. Mary-Corwin in Pueblo, and Prowers Medical Center in Lamar.

The concern stems from proposed cuts of roughly 900 billion dollars to Medicaid over the next decade. Hospitals that rely heavily on Medicaid funding — especially those already operating at a loss — could face serious financial strain.

Health leaders warn the impact would go beyond budgets. As more people lose coverage, hospitals could see a rise in uninsured patients, increasing uncompensated care and forcing tough decisions about staffing and services.

Still, several major systems, including Denver Health and UCHealth, say they are not in danger of closing and expect to continue serving patients — though likely with tighter budgets.

Rural hospitals, however, may face the greatest challenges, with fewer resources to absorb funding losses.

In Colorado, about one in four residents depends on Medicaid, and analysts estimate up to 150,000 people could lose coverage under the proposed changes.

For now, hospital leaders say closures aren’t imminent — but the pressure on the state’s healthcare system is growing.