Statement on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Approval of Colorado’s Section 1332 State Innovation Waiver

WASHINGTON – The Partnership for America’s Health Care Future issued the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved Colorado’s Section 1332 State Innovation Wavier amendment request to enact a new state government-controlled health insurance system known as the Colorado Option.

“At a time of uncertainty and high inflation, rate-setting is particularly bad public policy that will come with consequences negatively impacting patients, providers, and the entire health care system,” said Lauren Crawford Shaver, executive director of the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future. “The approval of Colorado’s rate-setting waiver will ultimately shift costs onto providers, increase costs for patients, and reduce coverage options”

“Research continues to show that building on and improving what’s working in health care is the most efficient and effective way to ensure access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and care. We hope lawmakers in other states will prioritize building on our current health care system, rather than starting over with poorly designed rate-setting policies or other government-controlled health insurance systems.” Crawford Shaver concluded.

Recent actuarial analysis by Novarest with Colorado’s Health Care Future, demonstrates how the Colorado Option will limit Coloradans’ access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and care, including those in vulnerable or underserved communities.

###