Text Size

-A A +A

Blog

Colorado’s 2012 Legislative Session in Review: Health Care Highlights

By Debra
May. 16, 2012

By Debra Judy, Policy Director

While the regular legislative session ended on a sad note, there were several notable health care successes during the 2012 legislative session.  The Colorado General Assembly passed a bill to improve hospital financial assistance policies, the state was able to avoid Medicaid cuts and cost-sharing, and we successfully defended against attempts to roll back state initiatives expanding access to health care.  While this session was not particularly “health care heavy,” here’s our recap of health care related legislation during this session.

LGBT Coloradans and the Affordable Care Act

By Guest
May. 10, 2012

By Menina Skelly, CCHI Policy Intern

As sexual and gender minorities, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trangender (LGBT) community have experienced a long history of discrimination and social stigma. Because of this very little health research has been done about their health, rendering them undercounted and understudied. However, this recently changed for Colorado with the release of the report “Invisible: The State of LGBT Health in Colorado” by the One Colorado Education Fund. Findings from the report revealed that issues of affordability, access and quality confront LGBT Coloradans, as well as challenges in accessing LGBT-friendly care from providers. Members of the LGBT community in Colorado reported hiding their sexual orientation or gender identity in order to be treated with respect by health-care professionals.

Women's Health Coverage in Colorado

By Ashley
May. 8, 2012

In eighty percent of American families, women make their family’s choices about health coverage.  They decide how their family gets coverage – private insurance, public programs or if they have to go without. Women also decide which providers to use – doctors, nurses, community health centers and hospitals. 

Hospital Payment Assistance Program Becomes Law!

By Serena
May. 7, 2012

Today, Governor Hickenlooper signed the Hospital Payment Assistance Program (SB12-134) into law. This law will enable Coloradans to pay their hospital bills in a reasonable and responsible way and provide Coloradans information about hospital financial assistance programs. That is why we are celebrating today. But, we did not get this bill signed into law alone! Thanks to your support and the leadership of the bill's sponsors, Senator Irene Aguilar and Representative Cindy Acree, this law will offer relief to many Coloradans.

New Program Helps Low-Income Coloradans with Health Care Needs

By Guest
May. 3, 2012

From the Connect Campaign

Going to the doctor can be expensive, especially when you don’t have health insurance. But when you aren’t getting regular check-ups and aren’t keeping your chronic conditions under control, you can wind up in the emergency room where health care is much more expensive and difficult.

There is a new Medicaid program that might be able to help you get the health care you need if your income is very low and you do not have any dependent children living with you.

How Often Do We Have to Do This? Another Attempt to Take Away Contraception

By Serena
May. 1, 2012

By Anna Benyo, Senior Health Policy Analyst at the National Women's Law Center
Originally posted on WomenStake

Apparently we have to keep fighting for basic health care. On Friday the Colorado state legislature took up a measure that would have a lasting impact on women’s access to health services, such as contraception.

The Colorado Senate Memorial 12-003 calls upon Congress to enact the Respect for the Rights of Conscience Act of 2011. This extreme bill introduced in Congress gives virtually limitless and unprecedented license to any employer or insurance plan, religious or not, to exclude coverage of any health service, no matter how essential, as required by the federal health care law.

Access to Oral Health Improves Children's Health -- Support SB12-108

By Serena
May. 1, 2012

As the legislative session winds down, there are a few important issues yet to be decided.  One of them is SB12-108, Medicaid Dental Services Pregnant Women.  This legislation specifies dental services as a benefit for pregnant women under Colorado's Medicaid program.  The bill passed out of the Senate this week and is assigned to the House Committee on Health and Environment.

So many COHBE policy issues, so little time

By Debra
Apr. 27, 2012

If Monday’s Colorado Health Benefits Exchange (COHBE) Board meeting is any indication, it could be a long summer.  Monday’s agenda included decisions on two policy issues – the size of the small group market and the options for individuals and small businesses in paying premiums (i.e., premium aggregation for the wonky among you) - and a decision on the creation of advisory groups.

A Boomer's View Of TBD Colorado

By Guest
Apr. 24, 2012

By Keith, Boomer Volunteer

Prior to offering my thoughts on TBD Colorado, it seems reasonable to share some personal background.  If I had to label myself, I would say I am a conservative Democrat, a Vietnam veteran and a retired engineering manager from a large automotive company.  Like many seniors today, I live on a fixed income.   While I managed to reach retirement age with very little political experience, I have recently “jumped into the pool” by joining two groups; Boomers Leading Change in Health and Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.  My focus on health care is a result of difficulty I experienced securing health insurance after retirement.

SB12-134, Hospital Payment Assistance, Passes CO House

By Serena
Apr. 20, 2012

On April 18, the Hospital Payment Assistance Act (SB12-134) passed in the Colorado House 45-20. Once signed by the governor, this bill will provide Coloradans information about hospital financial assistance programs and enable Coloradans to pay their hospital bills in a reasonable and responsible way.

Pages

Subscribe to Blog

© 2008 - 2011 Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

Site by -Albatross Digital-