Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing Executive Director Kim Bimestefer is stepping down just as state lawmakers prepared to formally call for her ouster.
In a bipartisan draft resolution obtained by Colorado Politics, state lawmakers criticized Ms. Bimestefer and called for her removal. The state’s Medicaid program faced scrutiny in recent weeks as an applied behavior analysis audit estimated $77.8 million in improper payments. Colorado is among the states included in a federal fraud probe, as well.
In her role, Ms. Bimestefer oversees Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program in the state. Her final day is April 10, according to a March 30 news release from Gov. Jared Polis’ office.
According to the release, Ms. Bimestefer increased Medicaid member network access by more than 50%. Prior to her executive director position, Ms. Bimestefer was the president and general manager for Cigna Mountain States.
Ms. Bimestefer said in the release she believes her successor will “continue to successfully navigate the challenging terrain ahead.” Individuals who are covered under Medicaid in expansion states, including Colorado, will soon be subject to work requirements. In addition, a study found state Medicaid budgets will drop by $664 billion through 2034 as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Becker’s contacted Democratic state Sen. Kyle Mullica, BSN, RN, who wrote the resolution, according to Colorado Politics, and will update this story if more information becomes available.
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