Code Neon Blue!

I attended the Blue Ribbon Commission’s meeting in Lamar on October 4th because I wanted to know what it was all about. This is the Cliff Notes version of what I came away with. If you want the big picture with all the details, you might want to go to their website at www.colorado.gov/208commission .

They are accepting written comments until October 22. That is your shot at getting your input included in the major report they will be giving to the state legislature in January. The email for that is 208outreach@coloradofoundation.org

The Story So Far: Four groups got together to come up with proposals for reforming health care in Colorado, per a legislative order. Then officials from both sides of the aisle nominated people to serve on the Commission and assess the proposals. The Commission then created what they call the Fifth Proposal, taking the best ideas from the original four. Next, they went touring around the state to give the general population a chance to weigh in with yet MORE ideas.

Obviously, with so many different (often conflicting) suggestions going into the mix, it would be a miracle if the final report was pleasing to everyone. (And that’s BEFORE the legislature goes to work on it!) I have to say, I thought they put on a good, clear presentation, with handouts, a slide show, AND a lovely sandwich buffet!

(Disclosure–Yes, I did have a lovely sandwich. I don’t think it affected my opinion, but you never know.)

Highlights of the Fifth Proposal:

Everyone will be required to have insurance, but there will be subsidies for people according to their income. Anyone from a family of 4 earning under $82,700 a year would qualify for premium help in some degree. This would also count for catastrophic care. Employers would not have to provide health insurance, but WOULD have to set up pre-tax payroll deduction plans to help people make their payments affordably.

One of the biggies (in my opinion) is a call to reform the individual insurance market.

They also suggest combining Medicaid and CHP+ under one administration (which would save a lot of money by eliminating duplication of paperwork, etc.) and then expanding both programs so that families of 4 earning $41,300 qualify for care.

So, to recap: Not perfect. Subject to yet more argument and revision, and then even more once it goes to the State House and Senate.

And yet (again in my opinion) something even half this good would be better than what a lot of people have now, which is nothing at all….