I have to say that I have never seen more misinformation and falsehoods than in Veronica Lasater's letter about ColoradoCare. (Times, Sept. 23.) Here is the truth:
The minimum benefits that ColoradoCare MUST provide are stated in the amendment and are quite comprehensive. These include ambulatory care, hospitalization, prescription drugs and much more.
The board does not have discretion to remove any of these.
The 21 members of the board will be elected by the people of Colorado and will be responsible only to them.
Yes, there are $25 billion in new taxes raised by Colorado. But these taxes will cover the approximately $30 billion that Coloradans now spend out of pocket each year for health insurance premiums, deductibles, drugs and other medical services.
This results in a net savings of $4.5 billion the first year.
The board cannot raise taxes by itself. The amendment specifically states ".the board may increase the premium taxes specified in subsection (2) of this section not more often than once per fiscal year, but only if a majority of the members of ColoradoCare who cast votes on the proposed increase approve it." Members are defined as people who have been residents of Colorado for one year and are 18 years or older.
The board can specify residency requirements so people from other states CANNOT "rent a room and get health care." See the one-year residency requirement stated above.
The amendment specifically addresses medical expenses incurred out of state. "The board shall: Establish policies and procedures to pay benefits for health care services rendered to a beneficiary who is temporarily living or traveling in another state."
The amendment also specifically states that "If the board determines that ColoradoCare has not received the waivers, exemptions and agreements from the federal government sufficient for its fiscally sound operation, the board shall: (a) Shut down operations and return unused funds."
So the additional taxes will NOT continue.
Finally, with respect to doctors leaving the state because of low reimbursement rates, Dr. Fred Ochsner addressed this at the Durango Public Library on Sept. 22. He considers this idea to be ridiculous. ColoradoCare is perfectly capable of reimbursing doctors at very reasonable rates. Dr. Ochsner said he believes doctors will want to move to Colorado to get away from the administrative headaches that they have now in other states.
I find it interesting that the Pine River Times is apparently willing to print opinion pieces that the Times knows are full of falsehoods. Opinions are one thing. Lies and intentional misinformation are quite another.
Guinn Unger
Bayfield
