We have an epidemic market failure in how we pay for our health care. Per person, we spend almost twice as much for health care compared to peer countries with universal health care systems, yet we have poorer outcomes, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Despite the United States having some of […]
health insurance
Posted inCOVID, Health, News, Politics and Government
Everything you need to know about the major health care bills still alive at the Colorado Capitol
There are officially only two weeks left in the legislative session this year in Colorado, and state lawmakers are continuing to debate several major bills — including ones that could have a significant impact on the state’s health care system. In recent legislative sessions, Colorado lawmakers passed eye-popping, heavily contested proposals to create a historic […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Rep. Kennedy: Colorado can have health insurance that pays for quality, not quantity
In my nearly six years as a state representative, I’ve spent more time and energy on health-care reform than on any other topic. I’ve sponsored legislation to improve regulations of free-standing emergency rooms, require cost transparency from hospitals, implement a reinsurance program (which has saved consumers more than 20% on premiums in the individual market), […]
Posted inHealth, News
Marshall fire and omicron surge prompt Colorado to offer special enrollment period for health insurance
By Markian Hawryluk, Kaiser Health Network A wildfire displaced thousands of Coloradans just as the omicron surge began sweeping through the state, so health insurance was likely not on many people’s minds when the regular enrollment period for the state’s health insurance marketplace ended Jan. 15. But now, because of those twin emergencies, everyone in […]
Posted inCOVID, Health, News
Your guide to getting a free COVID rapid test — from Colorado, the feds or your insurance company
So you need a COVID test. Hopefully not right now, because this story won’t help you much there. If your need to know is urgent, get thee to one of Colorado’s free COVID-19 testing locations or to another testing provider. But say you need a test … eventually. There are now at least three ways […]
Posted inHealth, News
Colorado Medicaid contractor reverses course, will no longer try to recoup payments from mental health providers
Colorado mental health therapists will no longer have to pay back money they received for seeing Medicaid patients after a state contractor that had threatened to “recoup” the payments reversed course Wednesday. Mental health counselors at practices in eight Front Range counties received emails from Colorado Community Health Alliance — the contractor that processes their […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Food is medicine, so insurance should cover it
A few years ago, my mother had a heart attack that required several long, frightening days in the hospital. When the initial crisis passed, she returned home under strict doctor’s orders about the types of food she should have in her diet (and the types she shouldn’t). As a family, we figured we could easily […]
Posted inCOVID, Health
The rate of people in Colorado with health insurance held steady during the pandemic
The past 19 months, Colorado’s health care system has seen unprecedented convulsion — a pandemic, hospitals filling up with coronavirus patients, doctor’s offices emptying due to patients putting off treatment, untold numbers of people losing their jobs and the health coverage that goes with it. But amazingly, according to a new survey, one thing held […]
Posted inHealth, News
Colorado will be first in the U.S. to require comprehensive health coverage for gender-affirming services
Colorado will become the first state in the country to require certain health care plans to cover comprehensive health services for transgender people, the state and federal governments announced Tuesday. The state will also add two more required benefits for those plans: an annual mental health wellness exam and prescription coverage for treatments that are […]
Posted inBusiness, Health, News, Outdoors
A new strategy in the season ski pass war: medical insurance policies
The season-pass war that has reshaped the resort industry in recent years is getting a new tactic: injury insurance. Telluride ski area has partnered with Spot, a startup insurance provider to offer $25,000 insurance policies for skiers injured on the mountain. The no-deductible Spot insurance coverage will be included in the price of every lift […]