Medicaid and 340B on the Agenda
Last month, Lupus Colorado CEO Kristy Kibler traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Colorado’s congressional delegation, including Senator John Hickenlooper. Her mission: to advocate for continued access to vital healthcare programs like Medicaid and the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which together help thousands of Coloradans living with lupus manage their health with dignity and support.
Protecting Medicaid: A Lifeline for Lupus Patients
Lupus Colorado urged lawmakers to protect Medicaid during upcoming federal budget negotiations. For many Coloradans with lupus, Medicaid is more than a safety net—it’s their only path to:
- Rheumatology specialists and essential medications
- Infusion services and diagnostic testing
- Mental health support and care coordination
Cuts to Medicaid would risk devastating consequences for patients already battling a complex, chronic illness.
Strengthening 340B: Meeting with Senator Hickenlooper
In a separate meeting with Senator Hickenlooper, Kristy discussed efforts to improve the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which allows safety-net clinics and nonprofit hospitals to purchase medications at steep discounts. These savings are intended to be reinvested into patient care, especially for underserved communities.
Senator Hickenlooper is part of a bipartisan Senate working group aiming to bring greater transparency and accountability to the 340B program, ensuring that savings directly benefit patients rather than being lost in hospital systems. Lupus Colorado strongly supports this vision—one where 340B remains a tool for health equity, not hospital profit.
Why This Matters
For people living with lupus, both Medicaid and 340B are critical. Together, these programs reduce out-of-pocket costs, increase access to care, and help patients manage flares before they become emergencies.
What Comes Next
Lupus Colorado will continue advocating at the federal level to:
- Protect Medicaid from budget cuts
- Strengthen and reform the 340B program to serve patients first
- Ensure patient voices shape healthcare policy
Stay tuned for opportunities to share your story, contact lawmakers, and join our advocacy efforts. Your voice has the power to create lasting change.
Bottom line: This visit isn’t just a photo-op—it’s a promise. Lupus Colorado, in partnership with our delegation, is fighting for tangible protections that translate into care, compassion, and hope. Together, we’re reinforcing the prescription drugs and services that are literally transforming lives.
Stay tuned for ways you can lend your voice. Because advocacy isn’t just uplifting—it’s life-saving.