Colorado Hospitals Reach Agreement on Reinsurance Bill

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLO. – April 5, 2019 – Colorado Hospital Association and its member hospitals and health systems are committed to improving the affordability of health care in Colorado. The Association has worked diligently with the Gov. Polis Administration and Reps. Julie McCluskie (D-Dillon) and Janice Rich (R-Grand Junction) and Sens. Kerry Donovan (D-Vail) and Bob Rankin (R-Carbondale) on this year’s reinsurance proposal – House Bill 19-1168. This work was focused on developing a reinsurance program that could successfully reduce premiums for Coloradans without causing unintended consequences for Colorado’s providers, including hospitals. CHA has moved to neutral on this bill, with the anticipated adoption of amendments that will be introduced in the House on Friday, modifying the funding mechanism for the proposed reinsurance program.

“While we are neutral because this bill affects our members across the state differently, we appreciate the diligent work by the sponsors, Rep. McCluskie in particular, Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway and Gov. Polis, for their personal involvement, energy and commitment to working on a compromise,” said Steven Summer, CHA president and CEO. “We believe that this approach will offer protections for Colorado’s vulnerable hospitals, protect access to care in rural communities and provide the reduction in health care premiums Coloradans need.”

Following the passage of this legislation, CHA will work with the Division of Insurance to file the necessary federal waiver to launch this program. Additionally, there remains much work to be done to address health care affordability, and CHA and its members are committed to working with the legislature and the Polis Administration to create solutions that will drive meaningful improvements.

About the Colorado Hospital Association

Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) is the leading voice of Colorado’s hospital and health system community. Representing more than 100 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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