Colorado Politics: Statewide coalition asks lawmakers to slow roll on public option

Some of the state's largest business organizations are urging the state legislature to slow its roll and think deeply about the unintended consequences of a public option insurance plan.

Democratic Rep. Dylan Roberts of Avon and Sen. Kerry Donovan of Vail are working with all interests to craft the legislation to create the public option plan, a public-private insurance carrier who could compete the private market in underserved areas to pull down soaring premiums by managing health care costs imposed by hospitals and drugmakers.

That has the health care industry and many other businesses nervous about the state trying something innovative that's failed nationally and in other states.

“There is no industry or community throughout the state that will not be affected by the negative consequences of the proposed State Option,” according to a joint statement released Monday.

It continues, “Slow down and retract the State Option proposal, conduct a full cost-benefit analysis, and invite greater input and review. The consequences are too great for Colorado to go it alone with so much uncertainty left unanswered.”

The joint statement was signed by the Associated General Contractors, Colorado Business Roundtable, Colorado Farm Bureau, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Club 20 and the Vail Valley Partnership.