Colorado

Status of reform effort: On January 31, 2008, the Colorado Blue Ribbon Commission made recommendations to the state legislature for a comprehensive health reform plan.  On February 13, 2008, Governor Ritter proposed a health care reform package.

On June 2, 2006, Governor Bill Ritter (D) signed SB 06-208, creating the Colorado Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform.  The Commission was charged with studying and establishing health care reform models to expand health care coverage and decrease health care costs.  On January 31, 2008, the Commission presented their final recommendations to the General Assembly.

On February 13, 2008, Governor Ritter announced his “Building Blocks For Health Care Reform” package, which builds on some of the Commission’s recommendations. The plan focuses on children’s health and improving system-wide efficiencies to contain costs, improve quality, and expand the availability of care. The components of the plan include:

• Public Health Insurance Programs: Expand state Medicaid and CHP+ (SCHIP) eligibility up to 225 percent of the federal poverty level for all uninsured residents; Centralize eligibility determination for Medicaid and CHP+; Increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary and preventive care, and dental care; Improve mental health benefits for children in CHP+; Provide all children in Medicaid and CHP+ with a medical home.
• System Efficiencies: Standardize health plan ID cards; invest in health information technology; implement disease management programs; reduce fraud and abuse. 
• Transparency: Create a web-based report card that provides information on health insurance companies; require brokers to disclose their compensation structure to consumers.
• Expand Access to Care: Find new strategies to expand care in rural and underserved communities by expanding the scope of practice for nurses and dental hygienists. 

Governor Bill Ritter (D) also signed legislation to provide coverage for all low-income children by 2010.  As a step toward meeting this goal, in April 2008, the Governor signed S.B. 160 which expands Medicaid eligibility for children to 133% FPL and expands CHP+ eligibility from 205% FPL to 225% FPL.  The Governor also signed companion legislation, S.B. 161, which removes administrative barriers to applying for Medicaid and CHP+.*

Updated as of 5/13/08