Signed by Governor Jared Polis

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that establishes a publicly funded health insurance option for individuals living in mountainous and rural counties.

Highlights:

• Requires the State Department and the Division of Insurance to submit a proposal, on or before November 15, 2019, for a state option for health care coverage that is based on affordability to consumers and financial burden to the state (Sec. 1).

• Requires the following to be completed in the development of the proposal (Sec. 1):

• Actuarial research to identify the potential cost of premiums and cost-sharing;

• An evaluation of eligibility criteria for individuals and small businesses to participate;

• A determination of the impact on the individual and small group markets, as well as on existing medical assistance programs;

• A determination of the state option to be either a fully at-risk, managed care, fee-for-service, accountable care collaborative plan, or a combination thereof; and

• A consultation with the Colorado Health Benefit Exchange and stakeholders, including consumers, employers, providers, and carriers.

• Requires that the State Department and the Division of Insurance submit any federal waivers or state plan amendments necessary for funding, and that they seek the maximum amount of federal money available for the program (Sec. 1).   

• Appropriates the following funds for the 2018-2019 fiscal year (Sec. 2):

• $75,000 to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing for use by the executive director’s office; and

• $115,500 to the Department of Regulatory Agencies for use by the Division of Insurance.

• Appropriates the following funds for the 2019-2020 fiscal year (Sec. 3):

• $150,000 to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing for use by the executive director’s office; and

• $231,000 to the Department of Regulatory Agencies for use by the Division of Insurance.  

Full Bill Text