![Twitter](/wp-content/themes/heydude-child/images/icon-twitter.png"){kind=icon}
![Superkids Expo 2026](/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/superkidsexpo26-btn.png")
![Current Issue](/wp-content/themes/heydude-child/images/current-issue.png")
![Archive](/wp-content/themes/heydude-child/images/archives.png")
Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.
Name/Media Contact: Kendra Burrell
Twitter: @NKF
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colorado Removes a Barrier to Kidney Disease Screening; National Kidney Foundation Calls for Action to Increase Early Detection
New law expands insurance coverage for preventive kidney function screening, but more work remains to close testing gaps across the state
DENVER, CO (June 7, 2026) — Colorado’s approach to kidney disease prevention is entering a new chapter following the enactment of House Bill 26-1019, legislation requiring many health insurance plans to cover annual preventive kidney function screening services. While this legislation takes an important step forward to improving guideline-concordant testing and early diagnosis of kidney disease, closing gaps in testing and facilitating early diagnosis will require a systematic effort by health care organizations, payers, and public health partners. Fewer than 35% of at risk Coloradan’s received annual kidney screening tests, with the largest gaps seen in Medicaid and Employer-Sponsored Insurance.
As healthcare organizations prepare for the opportunities created by expanded access to screening, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is bringing providers, healthcare leaders, and population health professionals together for a statewide educational program focused on improving early detection and diagnosis.
On June 16, NKF will host a virtual webinar, Strategies and Opportunities to Improve Recognition and Management of Diabetes Complications, to help healthcare organizations better understand current screening gaps and explore practical strategies to improve recognition and management of chronic kidney disease and other diabetes-related complications. The program will highlight systems-level approaches, quality improvement strategies, and resources that can help translate expanded access to screening into better patient outcomes. For more information or to register for the webinar, visit Kidney.org/CKDintercept-CO-June-2026.
“Colorado has demonstrated leadership by removing a barrier that may prevent some individuals from receiving kidney disease screening,” said Kendra Burrell, Executive Director of the National Kidney Foundation serving Colorado and New Mexico. “Now we have an opportunity to ensure healthcare systems are prepared to identify more patients earlier, connect them to care, and improve outcomes across our state.”
More than 1 in 7 U.S. adults is estimated to have kidney disease, yet many remain unaware because kidney disease often develops without symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. Simple blood and urine tests can help identify kidney disease earlier, when treatment can slow progression and improve outcomes.
The State’s new legislation is expected to improve access to testing for many Colorado residents, particularly those at increased risk for kidney disease, including people living with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and a family history of kidney disease.
The National Kidney Foundation worked alongside advocates, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders throughout the legislative process. Local advocates helped educate lawmakers about the importance of kidney disease screening and the need to reduce barriers to early detection.
“This legislation is a meaningful win for patients across Colorado,” said Dr. Jesse Roach, SVP of Government Relations with the National Kidney Foundation. “Earlier detection creates opportunities for earlier intervention, better health outcomes, and lower healthcare costs. We are grateful to the lawmakers, advocates, and community members who helped make this possible.”
As part of its continuing efforts to improve kidney disease recognition and diagnosis, NKF will convene healthcare professionals from across Colorado on June 16 for a virtual educational program focused on improving screening and diagnosis rates for chronic kidney disease and other diabetes-related complications. The program will explore strategies healthcare systems can implement to identify at-risk patients, increase testing rates, and improve patient outcomes.
“Policy change is important, but implementation is where lives are changed,” Burrell said. “Now that Colorado has removed a barrier to testing, we have an opportunity to work together to ensure more people receive the screening and care they need.”
For more information about kidney disease screening and prevention, visit kidney.org.
About the National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is revolutionizing the fight to save lives by eliminating preventable kidney disease, accelerating innovation for the dignity of patients, and dismantling barriers to equitable kidney care, dialysis, and transplantation. For more information, visit kidney.org.
###
