Governor Polis champions Colorado's healthcare reforms and calls for action on hospital pricing
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Colorado Governor Highlights Progress in Healthcare Affordability During State of the State Address
In a significant address during the Colorado House 2025 State of the State meeting, Governor emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce healthcare costs for residents. The governor noted that one of the first actions taken upon assuming office was the establishment of an office dedicated to making healthcare more affordable, led by Lieutenant Governor Diane Primavera.
The governor outlined several key achievements in healthcare reform, including the capping of insulin prices, the implementation of bipartisan reinsurance that has lowered rates by 25%, and the introduction of the Colorado option alongside groundbreaking price transparency legislation. Despite these advancements, the governor acknowledged that more work remains to be done to further alleviate the financial burden on Coloradans.
The governor also called for continued collaboration with the FDA to expedite the approval of a prescription drug importation plan aimed at reducing costs. He highlighted Colorado and Florida as the only two states taking significant steps to cut prescription drug prices through imports from Canada, expressing urgency for further action to protect vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the governor addressed the issue of excessive hospital pricing, revealing that Coloradans with commercial insurance are paying nearly three times more than Medicare for hospital services. He urged lawmakers, including Representative Brown and Senator Bridges, to take decisive action to address these disparities and support safety net providers that often struggle under the current pricing system.
In a lighter moment, the governor shared a personal anecdote about delivering the one-millionth book through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, emphasizing the importance of reading in fostering dreams and skills for future careers.
As Colorado moves forward, the governor's commitment to tackling healthcare costs and supporting educational initiatives remains a focal point, promising continued efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
In a significant address during the Colorado House 2025 State of the State meeting, Governor emphasized ongoing efforts to reduce healthcare costs for residents. The governor noted that one of the first actions taken upon assuming office was the establishment of an office dedicated to making healthcare more affordable, led by Lieutenant Governor Diane Primavera.
The governor outlined several key achievements in healthcare reform, including the capping of insulin prices, the implementation of bipartisan reinsurance that has lowered rates by 25%, and the introduction of the Colorado option alongside groundbreaking price transparency legislation. Despite these advancements, the governor acknowledged that more work remains to be done to further alleviate the financial burden on Coloradans.
The governor also called for continued collaboration with the FDA to expedite the approval of a prescription drug importation plan aimed at reducing costs. He highlighted Colorado and Florida as the only two states taking significant steps to cut prescription drug prices through imports from Canada, expressing urgency for further action to protect vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the governor addressed the issue of excessive hospital pricing, revealing that Coloradans with commercial insurance are paying nearly three times more than Medicare for hospital services. He urged lawmakers, including Representative Brown and Senator Bridges, to take decisive action to address these disparities and support safety net providers that often struggle under the current pricing system.
In a lighter moment, the governor shared a personal anecdote about delivering the one-millionth book through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, emphasizing the importance of reading in fostering dreams and skills for future careers.
As Colorado moves forward, the governor's commitment to tackling healthcare costs and supporting educational initiatives remains a focal point, promising continued efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
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