Report Finds CO in Pole Position for Health Reform
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December 7, 2009
DENVER - The Centennial State is better positioned than most when it comes to reforming health care. That's the finding of a recent report, funded by the Colorado Health Foundation and the Colorado Trust, that looked at what it would mean to the economy if the state were to implement the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform.
Kelly Dunkin, interim vice president of programs with the Colorado Health Foundation, says the report found that the reforms could lead to at least a one percent growth in the overall state economy and new job growth of about half a percent. She says it also looked at what it would mean to continue the status quo.
"Failing to enact health reform in Colorado will lead to higher health care costs, more uninsured Coloradans and higher health spending, especially by businesses."
Dunkin says the report finds reform would be a boost to the overall economy, even after the costs of financing the reforms are factored in. And she says it would lower health care costs, which has extra added benefits for the state.
"Focusing on value and efficiency will allow the state to deliver higher quality care at lower costs over time, while freeing up resources for other state priorities."
Dunkin says passing on reform could mean lower productivity for Colorado businesses.
"We're going to have more people uninsured. We're going to be paying more in premiums - we know that we're not going to get better health outcomes for the higher cost of health care that we'd be purchasing."
Business groups have expressed concern that some health reform options being debated could increase costs, limit choices and kill competition, but Dunkin says reform is good news because it boosts the overall economy and business climate in the state. The study was prepared by the New America Foundation and the Center for Colorado's Economic Future at the University of Denver, using a U.S. Department of Commerce economic model.
The report is available at coloradohealth.org