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A matrix for comparing the five proposals under evaluationby the Colorado Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Reform, by Robin Baker, REVISED Nov. 21, 2007
A close look at the five proposals now being evaluated by the Colorado Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform takes a big investment of time. I thought it would be helpful for people to be able to compare key elements in each plan at a glance. I used the commission’s technical advisor review and evaluation standards and the Lewin Group’s analysis of the estimated impacts to write up these summaries.
On the web • Printer-friendly PDF (2 pgs)
Issue Brief - Health Savings Accounts and High-Deductible Health Plans, by Blair Woodbury
Aug. 29, 2007
A new analysis of health savings accounts from the Bell Policy Center shows that the tax-advantaged accounts work well for healthy, high-income workers but are too risky for low-income families.
“HSAs may be useful for some consumers, but they are by no means a solution to the major problems in today’s health care system,” said Blair Woodbury, author of the Bell issue brief, “Health Savings Accounts and High-Deductible Health Plans.”
Press release: on the web • printer-friendly PDF
Read the report: Executive summary online • Executive summary PDF • Full report online • Full report PDF
Press coverage: Denver Business Journal, Aug. 29, 2007, Analysis: HSAs won't cure health care crisis, by Bob Mook
Press coverage - Healthy living may pay off; Sin taxes could fund statewide medical coverage, by Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News, Aug. 1, 2007
Whether your taste runs to coffee or liquor or if you're wealthy or middle class, plan on feeling some financial pain if Colorado offers near-universal health care.
The Lewin Group health-care consultants has done a preliminary analysis of the costs and sources of revenues for the four plans chosen by the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform.
The commission asked the Lewin Group to analyze how much money could be raised by the various sources of revenue as a way of giving the authors of the proposals a reality check, said commission Chairman Bill Lindsay.
"It's like remodeling your kitchen," Lindsay said Tuesday. "You have great ideas, but once the contractor gives you the initial cost estimate, you say, 'Uh, oh, maybe we can't afford the marble.' "
The authors of the proposals will have to make adjustments to bring benefits in line with revenues.
Commentary on the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Reform
- Rocky Mountain News Speakout, June 29, 2007, On the road to health care reform, by Elisabeth Arenales and Steve ErkenBrack
- Denver Post Perspective, July 1, 2007, Health care reform Rx: As a panel studies the issue, here's what to watch for, by state Rep. Claire Levy
- Denver Post Perspective, July 1, 2007, Free market alone no solution, by Gabriel Kaplan
Blueprint Implementation Memo - Get serious about comprehensive health care reform, by Robin Baker and Blair Woodbury, Feb. 6, 2007
Blueprint Implementation Memo - Make sure workers can take health care coverage with them, by Robin Baker, Jan. 30, 2007
Blueprint Implementation Memos package, by Robin Baker, Jan. 9, 2007
Special flyer for the 2007 Health Care Day of Action, held Feb. 26 at the State Capitol.
2006
Blueprint Brief - Bar the “group ratings” approach to setting health insurance premiums, by Blair Woodbury, Aug. 22, 2006
Blueprint Brief - Update on Colorado health care reform efforts, by Robin Baker, Aug. 22, 2006
Blueprint Brief - Interim recommendations from the Citizen’s Health Care Reform Committee, by Blair Woodbury, Aug. 22, 2006
Opportunity Note - SB 06-208, Concerning the creation of the health care reform committee for the purpose of studying health care reform issues, by Robin Baker, April 10, 2006
2005 Outreach Tour - Special reports on state budget cuts and community health care services
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