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Your experience with Colorado Medicaid matters.
Representative Rick Taggart is hosting a community listening session to hear directly from Coloradans about their experiences with Medicaid.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by changes to Medicaid services, this is an opportunity to share your experience, raise concerns, and help inform the conversation about the future of Colorado Medicaid.
We encourage our community to attend and make your voice heard on Thursday, October 29th at Colorado Mesa University.
SERVICE NOTICE - SUNSHINE RIDES COLORADO NEMT
An update on non-emergency medical transportation in Colorado
A reimbursement rate cut is forcing Sunshine Rides to halt all NEMT trips statewide, effective Friday, September 18th, 2026.
Last updated September 8, 2026
OUR STATEMENT
Where things stand
“
Sunshine rides has been intensely engaging the Governor's office and Joint Budget Committee to solve the rural NEMT rate problem, but a solution has not been achieved and we don't see one on the horizon. Due to the state's decision to keep the reimbursement rate below an operationally viable amount, Sunshine Rides is forced to suspend all NEMT services statewide effective September 18, 2026, including the life-sustaining rides we have been servicing at the reduced rate.
We've been providing rural NEMT for our communities for 35 years, and not being able to care for our clients is heartbreaking. We are deeply concerned about what this means for the health of our communities.
We ask everyone to contact their legislators, including the governor's office and the Joint Budget Committee. See below for contact information.
Learn more about the NEMT rate issue at the Colorado Transportation Alliance "SAVE NEMT" web page.
Sign up to receive news updates at the Colorado Transportation Alliance "Contact" web page.
Please also continue to visit our Sunshine Rides website for news and updates. We are continuing to provide all other transportation services, including Medicaid HCBS non-medical trips and private-pay trips. We offer facility transportation services if needed.
- Sunshine Rides, September 8, 2026
Please reach out to your representatives and let them know what NEMT means to you and your loved ones.
There are three channels of communication for you to make your voices heard.
To contact the Joint Budget Committee and share personal impact of this rate cut:
Email: JBC.GA@coleg.gov
Phone: 303-866-2587
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU
All NEMT trips are halted. HCBS and private-pay rides will continue.
Continuing as normal:
✓ Medicaid HCBS non-medical transportation
✓ Private-pay trips
✓ Airport trips
✓ Facility transportation service: pay directly or partner with other payer sources, no NEMT authorization required. Fill out the form to get started →
Halted, starting September 18:
ALL NEMT trips including:
X Dialysis and cancer treatment
X Emergency room trips
X Hospital discharge trips
X Mental health appointment trips
X Methadone / opioid treatment program trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this happening?
Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee voted to cut NEMT reimbursement rates for providers statewide to lower than what is operationally viable for providers who service rural areas. At current rates, Sunshine Rides can’t sustain full NEMT services across the state and remain operational for our communities long-term.
How long will it last?
We don't have a firm end date yet. We're working toward a resolution with the Governor's office and the Joint Budget Committee. We'll post updates on this page as soon as we have them.
I use Medicaid HCBS non-medical transportation. Does this affect me?
No. HCBS non-medical transportation will continue exactly as normal.
Can I still pay for a ride directly?
Yes. We offer private-pay trips and a facility transportation service that lets providers book and pay directly, without needing NEMT authorization and billing channels. Fill out this form to let us know you're interested in setting up an account with us to ensure rides for your patients.
I'm a healthcare provider -- What should I do?
Watch for an email and phone call from our team with more detail. You can also help now by contacting state leadership. If you want to book and pay for transportation for your clients (or book and bill clients for transportation), you can talk to us about setting up a facility transportation account to book rides for your patients through a private-pay model.
Learn how to contact your legislators at www.thectanet/save-nemt →
Fill out this form to start the conversation about a facility transportation account →