state leaders

Colorado officials are considering reducing funding for addiction recovery coaches as state Medicaid spending on these services has jumped 286%. The peer coaches, who help people stay engaged in substance-use treatment, have grown into a significant Medicaid cost line, prompting state budget writers to look for savings. Advocates warn that scaling back the program could disrupt care for people in recovery, while state leaders argue costs have grown faster than expected and need tighter oversight. No final decision has been made on the size of any cuts.