Paid for by Colorado’s Health Care Future, a project of Partnership for America’s Health Care Future Action.
State Government Option Threatens the Care of Coloradans
A new study released by FTI Consulting and Colorado’s Health Care Future reveals that the state government option would result in a host of negative consequences for Colorado patients.
The study, “The Colorado Public Option: Assessing the Impact of Proposed Reforms on Access to Health Care” finds that the one-size-fits-all state government option would put Colorado’s rural hospitals and patients at risk, while having minimal impacts on Colorado’s uninsured rate.
Up to 23 rural hospitals in Colorado could be at increased risk of closure under the Colorado state government option, limiting access to care for thousands of patients in rural areas. 83 percent of Colorado’s hospitals would see a reduction in reimbursement, leading to cuts to services, staff layoffs, and facility closures and threating access to care for those who need it most.
These negative consequences come at little benefit: the new state government option would decrease Colorado’s uninsured rate by just 0.1 percent, a tiny reduction in comparison to the 6.6 percent drop in Colorado’s uninsured rate following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
The Facts:
While politicians argue the state government option would have a positive impact in Colorado, this study clearly shows the state government option would barely reduce the state’s uninsured rate – and instead put the care of rural patients at risk.
- Up to 23 rural hospitals, that serve thousands of Coloradans, could be at increased risk of closure under the state government option.
- Access to care for patients in Colorado’s Western Slope, already left vulnerable due to limited access to hospitals, could further decrease under the state government option.
- The state government option would increase the cost of private coverage for 80% of Colorado marketplace enrollees.
“Communities across the state are on the brink of a crisis with respect to health care workforce shortages, and many rural hospitals currently operate in a precarious financial state. Expanding coverage without ensuring access to providers could ultimately harm the very population the Colorado state option proposal aims to assist.”
– FTI Consulting
The Truth:
Colorado’s patients deserve better than a new government-controlled health insurance system run by politicians. Under the state government option, Coloradans would be forced to pay more to wait longer for worse care. Furthermore, the plan would destabilize the employer-provided health coverage millions of Coloradans rely on, leaving patients at risk.
From skyrocketing costs to limited access to care, the state government option is the wrong choice for Colorado patients.
Let’s build on what’s working in our health care, not replace it with a one-size-fits-all plan designed to force Coloradans into a government-controlled health insurance system.