The historic appointment of the Biden-Harris Administration has brought attention to the important work of Yolanda Griega, who now serves under Xavier Becerra as the 25th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. As the first Latino to hold this position in US history, Griega is focused on raising awareness about key issues affecting Coloradans, including maternal health care, mental health destigmatization, and equitable access to health care services in rural areas.
In Colorado, where nearly half of the state’s population over age 80 lives in rural regions and 73% of counties are classified as rural, improving healthcare accessibility is a top priority. The closure of health clinics due to provider shortages and financial constraints has exacerbated this issue. Griega is committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring that all Coloradans have access to quality healthcare services.
The conversation also touched on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was passed two years ago. Griega discussed its impact on lowering healthcare costs for older Americans by directing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 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.
Overall, Griega’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and reducing costs for older Americans is an important step towards ensuring that all Coloradans have access to quality healthcare services.
