Coloradans \u2013 and especially rural Southwest Coloradans \u2013 are in trouble when it comes to health care costs. Prior to the pandemic, some 11.2% of people in Southwest Colorado couldn\u2019t afford medical insurance, compared to 6.5% for the entire state. Since workers who lost their jobs in 2020 likely also lost insurance, that 11.2% is certainly higher now.<\/p>\n
According to the Colorado Health Access Survey, even those with medical insurance in Colorado report skipping doctor visits when ill, struggling to pay medical bills and being unable to pay for rent, utilities, food and other necessities at times because of medical bills.<\/p>\n
For those without medical insurance, the troubles are more dire, especially for Black, Indigenous and other people of color. Almost 90% said the reason they don\u2019t have insurance is is they can\u2019t afford it.<\/p>\n
Ten of Colorado\u2019s 64 counties have only one health insurer, and without competition, prices are high \u2013 often too high for individuals or small businesses to pay. The state\u2019s health care industry \u2013 insurers, hospitals and other providers \u2013 have said they\u2019d like to help.<\/p>\n
But little has changed. And prices just keep going up.<\/p>\n
Some of our state legislators are challenging the health care industry to live up to their own words through a bill that asks them to reduce costs.<\/p>\n
House Bill 21-1232 would ask insurance companies to lower costs to consumers 10% in 2023 and another 10% in 2024. An actuarial analysis will be conducted to determine if they have achieved those goals.<\/p>\n
If they rise to the challenge, great. If not, the state will form a nonprofit Colorado Option commission that will offer a public option health care insurance plan with cheaper premiums and standardized medical services.<\/p>\n
Small businesses across the state support the bill, according to Lindsey Vigoda, director of Small Business Majority, some because they can\u2019t afford to offer decent (if any) health insurance to their employees. Other owners say they can\u2019t attract top-notch workers because they can\u2019t offer benefits competitive with those of larger companies. The Colorado Option might make that a little easier.<\/p>\n
Since November 2020, Southwest Health Alliance, run by Local First in Durango, has been offering a low-cost insurance plan in La Plata, Montezuma, Dolores and San Juan counties. Local First reports some small businesses have achieved significant savings. Yet that plan doesn\u2019t obviate the need for a broader solution to high health care costs.<\/p>\n
HB 1232 is sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts and Rep. Iman Jodeh in the House and Sen. Kerry Donovan in the Senate, all Democrats. Leaders of a number of health care organizations have helped craft the bill.<\/p>\n
Costs to implement and maintain the bill\u2019s public option would be paid for with federal funds and customers\u2019 premiums, not with taxes, sponsors said.<\/p>\n
Opponents include hospitals and some physicians who say it will harm their ability to serve their patients and could lead to fewer, not more, health care choices.<\/p>\n
Durango\u2019s state legislators split on the bill: Democratic Rep. Barbara MacLachlan supports it; Republican Sen. Don Coram opposes it.<\/p>\n
Some aspects of the U.S. health care industry work very well, as evidenced during the pandemic. But that doesn\u2019t change what we know to be true: We have to find solutions that make health care more accessible and affordable for all Coloradans.<\/p>\n
HB 1232 likely is not perfect, but it\u2019s a big step in the right direction \u2013 and a signal to the health care industry that the time has come for change.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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