Rural Colorado Vision

To Our Valued Stakeholders,

We’ve had a nice dose of winter here in Denver this first week of post-Open Enrollment.  We are now shifting gears for Special Enrollment Periods that have helped keep Coloradans covered as their circumstances change throughout the year.

This week, I was invited to the governor’s office with many of our partner stakeholders to witness Governor Polis sign an executive order to create the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. The Office will be led by Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera and its goal is to study, identify and implement policies that will lower health care costs while ensuring all Coloradans have access to affordable, quality care.

Over the past few days, I also spent time with community leaders from across the state at the 2019 Voices of Rural Colorado Legislative Visit. It’s a good opportunity to understand the various issues our rural communities are facing in more depth. In addition, attendees had a chance to hear from Governor Polis about his vision for rural Colorado.

During Bill Lindsay’s presentation, there was a frank discussion on the rising cost of health care and the solutions that are being explored. As one of our 2017-2020 strategic plan goals is to advocate to improve access to coverage in rural areas of Colorado, I am committed to finding ways to keep Connect for Health Colorado a part of the solution-making process. This was just one opportunity to have a seat at the table to work on solutions together.

In the News

In this statement, Colorado Division of Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway urges insurance companies to work with furloughed federal employees, as well as federal contractors and their workers, by providing assistance and flexibility, especially concerning missed premium payments and possible cancellation of policies.

A recent study published in Health Affairs indicates Medicaid expansion has had an impact in reducing poverty by protecting enrollees from out-of-pocket expenses they otherwise would have struggled to afford.

Stay warm and dry!

Take care,

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