What you need to know about Colorado's version of a public option for health care

Colorado Democrats introduced a bill on Thursday to set up a variation of a public health insurance plan.

The long-awaited bill already has drawn strong opposition from hospitals and conservatives, foreshadowing coming clashes as lawmakers near the halfway point of the session.

Supporters and critics of a “public option” for health insurance long have been debating the pros and cons of the policy, both in Colorado and at the national level. But Democrats, who control the state legislature and the governor’s office, are pushing ahead this year in an effort they argue will lower Colorado’s health care costs, which are some of the highest in the nation, according to a state analysis. Hospital prices soared by more than 73% between 2009 and 2018, that analysis found, and the “Colorado Affordable Healthcare Option” aims to address that.

Colorado’s version differs in significant ways from the type of public option insurance discussed on the national stage. Here’s a rundown:

Read more: https://www.coloradoindependent.com/2020/03/06/colorado-public-option-healthcare/