Colorado Checkup: September 2023

A Father Dreamed of a Home for His Family. Medical Debt Nearly Pushed Them Onto the Streets.
By Noam N. Levey
As cities like Denver struggle to make homes more affordable, medical debt keeps housing out of reach for millions of Americans.

A Move to Cut Drug Prices Has Patients With Rare Diseases Worried
By Markian Hawryluk
A Colorado board has named five drugs it will review for affordability and potential cost caps. But patients with cystic fibrosis worry they will lose access to a life-changing therapy.

As More Patients Email Doctors, Health Systems Start Charging Fees
By Harris Meyer
Doctors say billing for email consultations reduces message volume and gives them more free time. The increasingly prevalent practice has also raised fears about negative impacts to patient care.