As the 25th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Biden-Harris Administration, Yolanda Griegao has a lot on her plate. In her interview, she spoke about HHS’s efforts to raise awareness on important issues affecting Coloradans. Among these issues are maternal health care, mental health destigmatization, and equitable access to health care services in rural areas.
Griegao explained that while Colorado is known for its beautiful landscapes, it also faces significant challenges when it comes to healthcare accessibility. Nearly half of the state’s population over age 80 lives in rural regions, and 73% of counties are classified as rural. This makes health care accessibility a top priority for providers and lawmakers statewide.
The aging population globally and the closure of health clinics in rural areas due to provider shortages and financial constraints contribute to this urgent need for better access to healthcare. Griegao emphasized that HHS is working tirelessly to address these challenges and ensure that everyone in Colorado has access to the healthcare they need.
The conversation also touched on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was passed two years ago. Griegao discussed the Act’s impact on lowering health care costs for older Americans by directing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to negotiate drug prices and cap out-of-pocket spending on crucial medications like insulin. Economists have praised the IRA for demonstrating how legislative efforts can directly benefit people’s lives.
