Public Health in the Rockies 2026

Background / Purpose: Coverage gaps in Medicaid and CHP+ disproportionately harm children of color and low-income families. Continuous enrollment (CE) strengthens coverage stability by eliminating reapplication requirements until a designated age. During the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency, suspended eligibility redeterminations expanded stable coverage, followed by sharp enrollment declines after April 2023. These shifts highlight how coverage continuity influences health care utilization and costs, informing policy decisions on expanding CE for young children.

Methods: Researchers conducted a cross sectional analysis of Colorado All Payer Claims Database data (2018–2024). Children ages 0–6 with Medicaid or CHP+ coverage were stratified by enrollment status (CE: ≥11 months/year; non-CE: