Health Care Bill

House Republicans are introducing a bill to take several steps backward and opt Colorado out of the federal health care reform system – before it’s even had a chance to succeed. The proposed measure, House Bill 11-1273, would authorize Colorado to negotiate with other states to develop an “interstate compact” for regulating health care at the state level.

The practical effect of this bill would allow participating states to pass laws to regulate health care, laws that would supersede federal law and regulation. It would also allow those states to receive federal Medicaid funds in the form of block grants, and would exempt themselves from federal requirements as to the use of those funds.

I am firmly opposed to this bill. Over the past year, our country has made great strides in reforming the broken health care system. By creating an independent interstate compact, Colorado would disrupt the nation’s progress while doing little to provide its citizens with fair and affordable health care.