will host an event called “Conversations on Healthcare Affordability.”
The event “will explore current efforts at the federal and state level and new innovations to help small businesses insure their staff,” according the chamber’s website.
Peak Health Alliance CEO Claire Brockbank will moderate the panel. Speakers include U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, state Rep. Dylan Roberts, Adela Flores-Brennan of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Kathryn Mulready of the Colorado Hospital Association and Jack Hooper, CEO of Take Command Health.
The event will be held virtually and is free of charge. Attendees can register at SummitChamber.org
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The Colorado Option Health Benefit Plan, also known as the public option bill, is likely just days away from introduction. In preparation for its rollout, backers announced a coalition Tuesday that will be on the front lines of advocating for the bill.
The Colorado Coalition for Healthcare Options includes advocates such as the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Healthier Colorado, the Colorado Chapter of the Committee to Protect Medicare, the Colorado Childrenâs Campaign, One Colorado, Good Business Colorado, Small Business Majority, the Colorado Fiscal Institute, Centennial State Prosperity, Young Invincibles and the American Diabetes Association.
In a statement Tuesday, the coalition said more affordable health care options will provide patients and their families the security and freedom to take control of their health without breaking the bank. Lowering health costs will help Colorado families who worry about how theyâll pay for a needed procedure or visit. Itâ
Reaction to the first draft of the Colorado Health Care Option bill, sponsored by Rep. Dylan Roberts, D-Eagle, and Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Vail, runs the gamut.
The draft bill, first reported by Colorado Politics, sets a two-year timeline for the health industry to reduce premiums by 20% for the individual group market. Should that fail, the state would set up a quasi-public health plan to cover the individual and small group market, a total of about 15% of all insured people in Colorado. The state option, which would go into effect Jan. 1, 2025, would set rates for healthcare services in an attempt to reduce costs.Â