Just as physicians are sworn to first, do no harm, it is critical that we do not do more harm than good in our efforts to expand access to health care and to curb the cost spiral that prices many people out of coverage. By expanding opportunities and removing barriers, we can improve access and rein in rising health-care costs while preserving the first-rate care that so many Coloradans already enjoy.

Creating Affordable, Accessible Health Care Solutions

The worries about health care coverage in many Colorado households are very real. With no clear direction from the Gov. Ritter's blue ribbon panel on health care, we will offer Coloradans solutions that will help them secure medical insurance coverage at a reasonable price.

In other words, let’s not impose costly and restrictive "solutions" that already have failed in some other states. By expanding opportunities and removing barriers, we can improve access and rein in rising health-care costs while preserving the first-rate care that so many Coloradans already enjoy.

• Affordable, Accessible Care. Our health system is far from perfect, but it is still the best in the world. The main challenge being addressed by these bills is accessibility and affordability to make it possible for more people to utilize that health care system.
• The Colorado Health Plan - Will provide a low-cost option to Colorado’s uninsured by creating a benefit plan with basic coverage for a low monthly premium. (House Bill 1143 by Rep. Spencer Swalm--passed on third reading in the House, headed to the Senate)
• Removing government barriers to access - Creative solutions are necessary in breaking down boundaries to attain affordable health care. This proposal would allow individuals in Colorado to purchase insurance products from other states. (House Bill 1256 by Rep. Cindy Acree--assigned to House Committees on Business Affairs & Labor and Appropriations)
  
• Encourage wellness through insurance cost incentives - Allows insurance providers to to offer cost incentives to for participation in wellness and prevention programs.  (House Bill 1012 : Sen. Shawn Mitchell and Rep. Amy Stephens--passed in the House, assigned to Senate Committee on Health and Human Services)
• Explore health insurance portability options - (Bill sponsors: Sens. Mark Scheffel and Shawn Mitchell)
• Removing Government Barriers. In many ways, the government can be the most helpful by not standing in the way. These proposals break down government barriers or improve the way government provides services.
• Deduction for premiums on state income tax - Gives Coloradans a tax break on their health insurance. (Bill sponsors: Sen. Shawn Mitchell and Rep. Cindy Acree)
• Tax Deduction for medical costs -Resolution urging the federal government to allow individuals who purchase their own health insurance to deduct those costs from their income taxes. (Bill sponsors: Sen. Shawn Mitchell and Rep. Spencer Swalm)
• Increase health insurance eligibility for low-income children - Facilites the re-enrollment of low-income children in Child Health Plan Plus program (Bill sponsors: Sen. Nancy Spence and Rep. Cindy Acree)
• Increase options for Medicaid patients - (Bill sponsor: Rep. Cindy Acree)