The West Steps

Colorado Public Option Health Benefit Plan Breakdown

May 07, 2021 Colorado Children's Campaign Season 3 Episode 13
The West Steps
Colorado Public Option Health Benefit Plan Breakdown
Show Notes

Lack of quality, affordable health insurance has the potential to create a vicious cycle of medical and financial strain for families. While more than 50 percent of Coloradans have health insurance through an employer, our state has experienced an increase in the number of individuals struggling to balance payments between medical bills, rent, and food. Along with that, longstanding systemic racism in our health care system has exacerbated health care coverage inequities among families of color. Now is the time to establish a system that pushes back against the rising cost of health insurance and eliminates inequities that continue to create negative outcomes for kids and families. The benefits of health care coverage for kids and families are enormous, and include increased high school completion rates, reduced evictions, decreased depression, and reduced maternal, infant and child mortality rates. These benefits, along with many others, make it critical for Coloradans to have access to quality, affordable health care.  

Episode 13 of The West Steps dives into the complicated nature of health insurance access in our state. Adam Fox, Deputy Director of Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI); and Erin Miller, Vice President of Health Initiatives at the Colorado Children’s Campaign, discuss the current health care landscape and the many complexities built into it. They also explain why America's past and current “free market” approach to health insurance makes it impossible to provide cost effective coverage for all.  House Bill 1232 hopes to change this.  The bill specifically focuses the health care system in Colorado on better meeting the needs of those who have historically and systemically faced barriers to health. By implementing a standardized health plan, it will reduce expenses, make it easier for consumers to compare plans, and improve coverage for perinatal, behavioral, and primary health services. Contact your state legislator today and urge them to support policies like HB 1232 that create quality, affordable health care for all.  

Vist CCHI for more information. 

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