Denver Metro Chamber Of Commerce: What's The Truth About The Public Health Insurance Option Bill?

Denver CO

06 April, 2021

5:27 PM

Description

Press release from Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce: Kelly Brough April 5, 2021 What is House Bill 1232? House Bill 1232 ? The Chamber has been working hard for the past few years to truly reduce health care costs for everybody. This bill doesn't do that. Here's why the Chamber opposes the bill: But the bill's supporters claim the opposite. How do we know what's true? Colorado Competitive Council MYTH #1: The private industry has a chance to compete to lower premiums before a public option is implemented. MYTH #1: TRUTH: Common Sense Institute MYTH #2: TRUTH: Insurance premiums in the individual market in Colorado have come down 30% since 2019, compared to 6% nationally since 2018. Colorado's five-year individual market premium reduction trend is second best in the country. These insurance premium reductions have occurred at the same time that Colorado has improved in overall health care quality and access, moving from 12th to 10th in the nation. Health care costs in Colorado are still too high and more work is needed, but we need practical solutions that address the true drivers of health care costs, not quick-fix solutions that shift costs from one segment of the market to another. Sources: Kaiser Family Foundation, Common Sense Institute and U.S. News & World Report TRUTH: Kaiser Family Foundation Common Sense Institute U.S. News & World Report MYTH #3: TRUTH: Connect for Health Colorado MYTH #4: Coloradans want government health care. MYTH #4: TRUTH: What is the solution to health care costs and access in Colorado? Public Affairs team This press release was produced by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author's own.