FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 04, 2025
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org

Governor Polis Prioritizes Profits Over Patients

(Denver, CO) – Governor Polis signed SB25-71, a bill that amends the 340B Drug Pricing Program and leaves patients in the dark, footing the bill.

During the 75th General Assembly, Colorado considered two bills, SB24-124 and SB25-71, to amend the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a federal program created to help safety net hospitals and clinics serve populations facing the most significant barriers to care, stretch limited resources, and reinvest in patients. Young adults already struggle with health care access, medical debt, student loans, and rising costs of living. Changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program will further impact their ability to afford necessary medications and services.

Signing SB25-71 into law sends a clear message that Colorado prioritizes hospital profits over patient accessibility and affordability. Coloradans deserve a health care system that works for them, not against them.

In response, Melanie Kesner, Rocky Mountain Regional Director at Young Invincibles said:

“Patients should be the top priority in our health care system, but this new law puts corporate profits ahead of the needs of young people. Once again, patients—primarily low-income, young, and marginalized people—have been left out of the conversation, and it is unacceptable. While the bill requires hospitals to publicly post the financial benefit they receive from 340B discounts, this transparency doesn’t go far enough. Young people, once again, are caught in the fight between pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. It is time that we prioritize people over profit.”

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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org