PATIENCE URGED FOR REFORM TO HEALTH CARE
More than 100 people gathered on the Capitol steps Monday with signs that called for action and big changes in health care, but Gov. Bill Ritter told them reform in Colorado won’t happen quickly.
Ritter has been trying to lower expectations for major changes this year, saying there will not be a tax increase for health care before voters in November and that it makes sense to see what a new president will propose. He supports a $25 million “building blocks” plan this year that would expand eligibility of the state’s health-insurance plan for children and increase Medicaid fees paid to doctors.
He told the crowd gathered for the Health Care Day of Action that issues of cost, quality and transparency would have to be addressed before asking voters for money.
Senate passes a bill to help maimed patients
A bill that would allow maimed patients to sue for more money squeaked through the Senate on Monday with a two-vote buffer.
Senate Bill 164, which Democrats have said will bring justice to wronged patients and Republicans have said will drive up health-care costs, passed 18-16. Sen. Bob Hagedorn, D-Aurora, joined all 15 Republican senators in voting against it. One senator was absent.
“This bill does nothing to improve the quality of medicine in the state of Colorado,” Hagedorn blasted. “Instead what it does is drive the cost.”
The bill now goes to the House.
