Headlines — September 1, 2022

September 1, 2022

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Coloradans Patients Now Eligible For New Health Care Benefits

A new hospital billing law will go into effect today. House Bill 21-1198 will enable more accessibility to hospital care for Coloradans, particularly low – to moderate-income residents. Colorado’s Hospital Discounted Care law requires all hospitals in the state to first screen patients to see if they qualify for the new state aid. 

Colorado hospitals screen patients to see if they qualify for Hospital Discounted Care including those without official immigration documents and regardless of insurance status. 

Deputy Director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative says, “This law caps how much low and moderate income Coloradans can be charged, sets clear standards for affordable payment plans, requires hospitals to proactively screen uninsured patients for discounts, and more. This law helps ensure people can get the hospital care they need with more peace of mind.” 

Patients who are eligible may receive income-adjusted discounts or affordable payment plans. Additionally, there will be more flexibility when sending hospital bills to collections. 

The Flatirons Mall Will Be Redeveloped Starting In 2023

Demolition of the southwest part of Broomfield’s Flatiron Crossing Mall will begin as early as 2023. Macerich Co, will transform the space that once housed Nordstroms into a  mixed-used entertainment hub for housing, and shopping. 

Developers say that they plan to transform the new development within five years which they say will include a 24/7 active hub for entertainment. 

The city of Broomfield receives $14 million in tax revenue from the Flatiron Crossing and is expected to increase to $18.4 million. The city is also contributing $49.9 million dollars to the project which is set to cost more than $400 million dollars. Developers say that the rest of the mall shops will remain open during construction. 

Tiny Home Village for Homeless Veterans is Almost Completed.

Nonprofit veteran support groups have set a new opening date for a village of tiny homes for homeless veterans in Longmont. Organizers from the Veteran Community Project had planned to open the group of 26 tiny homes this year. Because of ongoing supply chain issues, they pushed the opening to March 2023. 

Miguel Valdez, the community engagement coordinator, said, “The veterans who stay at our village (will put) in a lot of time and effort to get themselves ready for permanent housing.” 

According to VCP, the community hopes the new village will provide a space where veterans can interact with other people and create a safe home environment for veterans.

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen To Retire

Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen will retire from the Denver Police Department in October after three decades with the department. Pazen served as Denver Police Chief for four years and was the the department’s second Latino chief. 

After spending 28 years rising through the ranks, Denver Mayor Hancock nominated Pazen to serve as chief in 2018. In a press release, Pazen said, “It’s been an honor to serve the people of this city, and I couldn’t be prouder to have done it alongside these dedicated women and men of the department who’ve answered the call to protect the residents of Denver no matter the circumstance.” Mayor Hancock has nominated Division Chief Ron Thomas to succeed Pazen and will take over as acting chief on Tuesday.

Rocky Mountain National Park Will Close For Elk Rutting Season

The Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow, and Holzwarth Meadow of the Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed from 5 pm to 10 am beginning Thursday, and stay that way through October thirty-first due to Elk Rutting Season.

Rutting season is when males begin looking for females. During the season, tens to hundreds of elk gather to find mates. 

This causes an increase in testosterone levels in males, which can reach over a thousand pounds and can cause the animals to become aggressive. The nightly closures are to keep park visitors from disturbing the Elk and avoid any problems that may arise during an interaction.

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