Over the past two months, we’ve had “key people” speak on behalf of and in opposition to Amendment 69. They have shared insight on the features and benefits of A69 as well as showing their passion about the amendment. The experience we had as we listened to Senator Aguilar, T.R. Reid and Jeff Helton in September and then Cody Belzley, Tashof Bernton, MD and Jill Vecchio, MD in October was as several of our attendees expressed “very thought provoking” and “enlightening”! “I learned more listening to these speakers and panelists than anything I’ve read!” If you attended, you know what I mean. If you weren’t there, we missed you!
The result of the vote was 79.6% against with 86% reporting at 6.54 a.m. this morning.
The “rest of the story” is yet to be told. Senator Aguilar was asked if there was a “what if….” Strategy if A69 fails this time around. She indicated that they have learned a lot from this campaign and would do things differently if and when they come back with a proposal in two or four years. So the issue of universal healthcare may continue here in Colorado in one form or another.
Vermont had attempted a universal or single payer healthcare system a few years back through legislative action but it failed due to inability to effectively implement the plan financially. However in January, Vermont will become the first state in the nation to move to a voluntary all-payer accountable care organization model according to CMS. The program will cover Medicare, Medicaid and commercial payers, requiring those who participate to pay similar rates for all services. It’ll be interesting to watch!
More on that and other issues at our DMSG meetings in 2017! Be sure to register for our December 8th DMSG Annual Holiday Event at Children’s Hospital with our Keynote Speaker, Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne speaking on “The Future of Healthcare in Colorado”. You can register through the link below. (If you’ve registered already, Please disregard this request.)
Leave a Reply