A state-mandated commission on health-care reform in Colorado held its inaugural meeting Monday as it seeks to identify ways to expand health-care coverage and decrease costs.
The 24-member commission, formed through the passage of Senate Bill 208 this year, is charged with analyzing the state’s health-care system and must issue recommendations to the legislature by this time next year.
Monday’s meeting focused on administrative tasks such as determining bylaws, governance and future meeting dates, said Anita Wesley, the commission’s project coordinator.
Gov.-elect Bill Ritter intends to form a task force of “business owners and other stakeholders to devise strategies for small-business owners and their employees to access affordable health care,” according to his campaign website.
Evan Dreyer, a Ritter spokesman, said it’s possible the governor-elect will depend on the findings of the commission instead of forming a separate task force.
Either way, Dreyer said Ritter “is intent upon following through with his campaign promise to craft a ‘Colorado Health Plan’ that provides access to some basic form of health coverage to all Coloradans.”
The state-mandated 208 Commission is composed of members representing consumers, business and industry experts. Members were appointed by state officials such as Gov. Bill Owens and House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver.
During Monday’s meeting at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, members provided initial thoughts about health care in Colorado and goals for the commission.
“This is a rare window of opportunity to enact change,” said Elisabeth Are nales of the Colorado Center on Law & Policy.
Erik Ammidown, director of employee benefits for Denver-based phone giant Qwest, said all possible recommendations must take into consideration the state’s financial constraints.
“What are people in this state willing to do to bring about a solution?” asked Ammidown, referring to possible tax increases or other initiatives.
Staff writer Will Shanley can be reached at 303-954-1260 or wshanley@denverpost.com.
