Health Discussions Across the State

To Our Valued Stakeholders,

From Grand Junction to the Colorado Capitol, I’ve spent time this week with many stakeholders and policymakers talking about what we achieved through our last Open Enrollment period, and our continuing engagement in the conversation for improving affordability and access to coverage for all Coloradans.

I traveled to Grand Junction last weekend to attend the Club 20 Spring Conference. I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Western Slope communities and listen to stakeholders share opinions on current and ongoing legislation.  

Also, this week, I was honored to present alongside our Board Chair Adela Flores Brennan, and Board Member Steve ErkenBrack, to the Colorado House Health and Insurance Committee. We had the opportunity to educate policymakers about our work as well as deep dive into our Open Enrollment success. The meeting was another chance to make clear that we are happy to bring our insight and experience to the current state healthcare policy discussion.

Speaking of conversations about the future of healthcare in Colorado, I invite you to listen in on Monday afternoon to our Policy Committee meeting for a special presentation. Dan Meuse, Deputy Director of the State Health & Value Strategies program out of Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs, will lead a conversation regarding what other states are doing related to healthcare reform, and discuss the potential impacts to the Marketplace from Colorado’s reinsurance proposal and a possible public option. We welcome all interested stakeholders. You can find conference call information here.

If you are interested in further discussion about Colorado’s potential reinsurance program and the 1332 waiver application process, the Division of Insurance is holding two public meetings to gather input on the development of a reinsurance program and the corresponding 1332 waiver application process:

April 22, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events

April 29, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., in Denver, 1560 Broadway, Conference Room 110D (First Floor) or via a webinar.

In the News

The state Senate this week passed the bill calling for study of creating a public option in Colorado. It heads to another vote in the state House. Modern Healthcare had this report.  

Take care,

Kevin Patterson, MURP, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
Connect for Health Colorado