It’s still unclear what reform of Colorado’s health care system will look like and whether it will be sweeping or scattered, and now is the time for the public to have its say in the matter. Colorado’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform (commonly called the 208 Commission) is wrapping up its work on a fifth health care reform proposal and will soon begin solidifying the recommendations it will make to the Legislature in January. But before that happens, commissioners are asking for public input at 14 meetings around the state.
The meetings are designed to be spread among the state’s seven Congressional districts, but there are 50 counties where no meetings are scheduled, meaning some residents would have a several-hour drive to reach the closest one. The commission has, however, been proactive in encouraging public input since it began its work last fall, and written testimony will also be accepted. Exact locations of meetings and information on submitting written testimony can be found here.
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Oct. 4: (1) Boulder (2) Lamar
Oct. 5: (3) Colorado Springs (4) Denver (5) Parker (6) Pueblo
Oct. 6: (7) Canon City
Oct. 10: (8) Durango
Oct. 11: (9) Greeley (10) Grand Junction
Oct. 12: (11) Fort Collins (12) Silverthorne
Oct. 13: (13) Brighton (14) Craig
The 208 Commission was created by state lawmakers in 2006 to study the health care system in Colorado and make recommendations for comprehensive reform with the goals of lowering costs and improving access to care and insurance. Information about the commission, the proposals and the process are available here.
