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Colorado voters will decide on a measure this fall that would create a state-run health care plan supported by a tax on workers and their employers. Amendment 69 would create ColoradoCare, a statewide system for financing and administering health care for residents. The program, which is expected to cost $25 billion a year, would run on new taxes, with any future increases having to be approved by voters.
According to Colorado’s Blue Book, proponents say that:
- Amendment 69 creates a more equitable health care payment system that provides coverage for all Coloradans;
- Amendment 69 offers a means to control health care costs and improve patient outcomes; and
- ColoradoCare provides a more transparent system that serves the interests of Coloradans, instead of the interests of private corporations.
Opponents’ main arguments are:
- Amendment 69 imposes new taxes, which may harm the Colorado economy by burdening taxpayers and eliminating jobs;
- Amendment 69 offers no guarantee that ColoradoCare will improve patient care, expand access, or reduce health care costs; and
- ColoradoCare may limit consumer choice and strain the health care system.
What do you think? Should voters enact ColoradoCare? Vote in our poll.