Colorado Hospital Association Statement on Reinsurance Waiver Approval

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. – July 31, 2019 – In response to the announcement that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Colorado’s waiver for a new state reinsurance program, Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) issued this statement:

“Colorado hospitals recognize that the cost of health care has become unsustainable for many Coloradans, and we hope that this two-year reinsurance program – largely funded by hospitals – is effective in providing needed relief for patients from high insurance costs,” said Katherine Mulready, senior vice president and chief strategy officer, CHA. “The price of health insurance includes both the premiums and the copay and deductible costs, so this can’t just be about reducing premiums while insurers continue to raise out-of-pocket costs on Coloradans. We trust that the Polis Administration and the Insurance Commissioner will make sure insurers follow the law and that savings from reinsurance are fully passed on to consumers.

“Hospitals are doing our part to address health care affordability. It’s time for all stakeholders to come to the table and work toward comprehensive, long-term solutions that achieve access to high-quality, accessible and affordable health care”

About Colorado Hospital Association

Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) is the leading voice of Colorado’s hospital and health system community. Representing more than 100 member hospitals and health systems throughout the state, CHA serves as a trusted, credible and reliable resource on health issues, hospital data and trends for its members, media, policymakers and the general public. Through CHA, Colorado’s hospitals and health systems work together in their shared commitment to improve health and health care in Colorado. Learn more at www.cha.com.

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