Industry News

 2009 Colorado Legislative Update

The 2009 Colorado Legislative Session has now come to a close.  A total of 664 bills were introduced this session.  I've recapped a few that pertain to health care that you may be interested in.

HB1012 Allows insurers to offer discounts to people who participate in wellness/prevention programs.  This will become law on 7-1-2009 with a unanimous vote and the support of the governor.

HB1273 Single Payer Authority.  This bill has been laid over and will most likely be reintroduced during the next legislative session.

HB1293 Hospital Provider Fee. This allows hospitals to leverage a fee that they in turn give to the State. The State then gets Federal matchin dollars as a Medicaid match.  These dollars will help offset the cost of Medicaid care and several major hospitals.This bill was signed 4-21-09.

HB1349 Continuation of Coverage.  Relates to notificiation requirements.  Awaits Governor action.

HB1358 Health Care Authority to Administer a Health Care System. Would consist of a 17 member board of directors.  Pre-determined study to  change to no employer based coverage, all individual coverage.  Postponed indefinitely on 4-24-09.

SB159 Dependent Coverage to age 30. aka, the Slacker Bill. Postponed indefinitely on 3-18-2009.

SB244 Mandatory Private Health Coverage of Autism Spectrum Disorder.  This law is expected to be signed by the Governor and will apply to State Employees coverage, higher ed, and the small group market.  Medicaid children will not have the benefit of this bill due to the large fiscal note that would be attached.

Beware the 3 myths of the Single Payer System

1. Everyone Has Access

2. There are Better Outcomes

3. It Costs Less



**The truth is that taxes go up, costs are controlled by limiting access and technology, and outcomes relate more to lifestyle than health care.  Everyone would have health insurance, but they might not have health care at the time they want or need it, or at all.  Rationing of care is an inevitable result and the aged are the first ones to have services denied. If you think health insurance is expensive now, wait until it's free!

Call us for more detailed information or instructions on how to view a documentary on the subject.