WASHINGTON D.C. -  On September 18, 2024, Lt. Governor and Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care Dianne Primavera received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award (NDAA), the highest national advocacy honor given by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). This award is a mark of distinction and accomplishment in the field of public policy advocacy pertaining to cancer.

“I’m honored to receive this award, but it’s really a reflection of all the incredible people working hard to advance cancer treatment and research. Here in Colorado, we are focused on saving people money on health care, and ensuring that every Coloradan can get the care they need without breaking the bank, whether that’s for cancer or any other disease. I’ve beaten cancer, and it’s because I had access to great health care, health care professionals, and support networks. Everyone deserves that access and the Polis-Primavera administration continues pushing forward to make this a reality,” said Lt. Governor Primavera.

Since taking office, the Polis-Primavera administration has passed historic legislation to increase hospital price transparency, created the nation-leading Colorado Option and Reinsurance to save Coloradans money on their health care. The administration has also capped the cost of insulin and created the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to save people money on their medications. Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera have also invested heavily in strengthening Colorado’s health care workforce, including free community and technical college for students pursuing degrees in health care, as well as the creation of a new medical school at the University of Northern Colorado.

In 2023, the Office of Saving People Money on Healthcare  launched the Medical Financial Partnership (MFP) pilot program in Southwest Colorado to improve financial security for Coloradans navigating the health care system. In its first year, the MFP demonstrated an average savings of $2,826 per client served. Governor Polis also signed SB23-189 into law, which strengthens preventive services coverage for Coloradans, as well as SB24-124, which increases access to biomarker tests to help inform treatment decisions for cancer patients.

Prior to being elected as Colorado’s Lt. Governor, Primavera was a Colorado state legislator for eight years and chief executive officer (CEO) of Susan G. Komen Colorado.