Plan will lower health care costs by launching Colorado Public Option, expanding access to state health insurance, strengthening Medicaid and rural health care
Denver, CO — Gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet released his plan to transform Colorado’s health care system by launching a Colorado Public Option, strengthening Medicaid, and making the system work for working families.
“Health care costs are crushing families, and we can’t afford to continue to offer piecemeal solutions,” said Michael. “Now is the time to build a stronger health care system–one that puts families and communities first, and actually works for the people who depend on it. As Governor, I’m committed to transforming our health care system to focus on what works for patients by launching a Colorado Public Option, strengthening Medicaid, and changing the way we pay for health care through a focus on patients, not procedures.”
Michael’s plan, crafted in partnership with health care experts across the state, is the most ambitious plan to address Colorado’s health care system in the gubernatorial race. Compared to his opponent Phil Weiser’s health care plan, Michael is the only candidate with real solutions for a Colorado Public Option, expanded access to the state health care plan, strategies to strengthen Medicaid, and true support for rural hospitals.
Michael’s “Building a Healthier Colorado: A New Vision for Health and Mental Health Care” platform includes:
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Protect and Strengthen Colorado’s Safety Net: Michael will take decisive action to protect and ensure the long-term sustainability of Colorado’s health care safety net by launching a Colorado Public Option, changing Medicaid payments so that providers are rewarded for value of care, rather than the number of procedures, investigating private equity in health care, and increasing support for rural hospitals.
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Lower Health Care Costs and Focus on Prevention: Michael will transform our health care system to lower costs by allowing school districts, counties, small businesses, and young people to buy into the state health plan option, realigning incentives to reward affordable, high-quality care, eliminating silos, and focusing on prevention.
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Increase Transparency and Negotiate Better Prices: Michael will put the power back in the hands of Coloradans by publicly documenting the health care cost drivers and working with other states to negotiate lower prescription drug costs.
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Prioritize Whole Person Care: Michael will expand access to high-quality health and behavioral health care across the state by integrating access to mental health care at the doctor’s office, ensuring Coloradans have insurance coverage for mental health care, and expanding telehealth and workforce opportunities.
“Michael Bennet is the only candidate for Governor who brings the content area knowledge, willingness to listen to and learn from experts on the ground and leadership skills needed to help Colorado chart a reasonable path forward in the midst of incredibly complex and daunting challenges,” said Cody Belzley, Colorado Health Care Leader. “He is committed to improving the health and well-being of Coloradans. He understands how broken our health care system is today and will work tirelessly to make health care more accessible, more affordable, more rational. He has a bold vision for moving Colorado forward – and a track record of successful governing that gives me the confidence he can and will deliver for Colorado.”
“We need leaders who will figure out how to keep the money invested in the health care system for patients and communities,” said Donald Moore, Pueblo Health Care Leader. “Michael Bennet is committed to this philosophy.”
“Colorado’s next Governor has a real opportunity to lower health care costs, expand access to mental health care, and make our system more affordable, transparent, and fair,” said Colorado State Senator Dylan Roberts. “But that will take bold, concrete action — and that’s exactly what Michael Bennet’s plan delivers. It’s specific, transformational, and doable. At the legislature, I’ve seen how big pharma and big insurance fight to protect the status quo. We’ve won some battles, but we have much more to do. With Michael Bennet leading as Governor, we can finally take on health care costs and ensure every Coloradan can get the care they deserve.”
