Colorado Revised Statutes Title 27. Behavioral Health § 27-81-116. Payment for treatment--financial ability of patients

(1) If treatment is provided by an approved public treatment facility and the patient, including a committed person, has not paid the charge therefor, the approved treatment facility is entitled to any payment received by the patient or to which the patient may be entitled because of the services rendered and from any public or private source available to the approved treatment facility because of the treatment provided to the patient. The approved treatment facility may seek and obtain a judgment in an appropriate court for any fees or charges that have not been paid.

(2) A patient in an approved treatment facility, or the estate of the patient, or a person obligated to provide for the cost of treatment and having sufficient financial ability is liable to the approved treatment facility for the cost of maintenance and treatment of the patient therein in accordance with rates established. The approved treatment facility may seek and obtain a judgment in an appropriate court for any fees or charges that have not been paid.

(3) The commissioner shall adopt rules that establish a standardized ability-to-pay schedule, under which those with sufficient financial ability are required to pay the full cost of services provided and those who are totally without sufficient financial ability are provided appropriate treatment at no charge. The schedule shall take into consideration the income, including government assistance programs, savings, and other personal and real property, of the person required to pay and any support the person required to pay furnishes to another person as required by law.

(4) Nothing in this section shall prohibit an approved treatment facility from charging a minimal fee for therapeutic purposes.