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.

• 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 (HB 1311 by Rep. Spencer Swalm, Sen. Steve Johnson). Will provide a low-cost option to Colorado’s uninsured by creating a benefit plan with basic coverage for a low monthly premium.  [Introduced In House - Assigned to Business Affairs and Labor]

• Removing government barriers to access (HB 1327 by Rep. Cory Gardner, Sen. Shawn Mitchell). 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.  [Introduced In House - Assigned to Business Affairs and Labor]

• Expanding rural access to health care (HB 1061 by Rep. Ellen Roberts). Grant greater authority to qualified advanced practice nurses to address basic patient health needs, particularly for wellness and prevention in rural communities.  [Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Health and Human Services]

• 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.

• The Medicaid Reform Bill (HB 1124 by Rep. Kevin Lundberg, Sen. Mike Kopp). Create a new option in Medicaid to allow participants to maintain greater control over their assets in exchange for accepting a limited reduction in Medicaid benefits. [Postponed indefinitely in the House Committee on Health and Human Services]

• Evaluating Medicaid efficiency (Rep. Jim Kerr). In 2004, the state auditor made several recommendations for improving Colorado's Medicaid delivery system. A new and expanded audit of Medicaid services would provide valuable information to the legislature on ways to reform the program, which comprises a third of the state's budget.

• Health care cost recognition (Rep. Spencer Swalm). Resolution urging the federal government to allow individuals who purchase their own health insurance to deduct those costs from their income taxes.

• Assistance for the developmentally disabled (HB 1101 by Rep. Bob Gardner, Sen. Scott Renfroe). Expands availability of existing programs to assist some of our most vulnerable citizens, those who are developmentally disabled.  [Refer Amended to Appropriations  Committee from the House Committee on Health and Human Services]