Policy and Advocacy
CCHI’s vision is that one day all Coloradans will have barrier-free access to quality, affordable health care. We are working towards this goal through a number of avenues, one of which is advocating for policy changes that further consumer-friendly health care reform. For an overview of CCHI’s policy history and achievements, view our Legislative History Spheres of Influence Our policy staff lobbies for viable, sustainable policies capable of solving our healthcare crisis. We work principally at the state level, but occasionally weigh in on national and local policy debates as well. CCHI represents consumers at a variety of state venues including the State Legislature, the Colorado Board of Health, and the Colorado Medical Services Board. Why is CCHI principally state level? Our nation’s health care “system” is executed principally by state government – public programs for individuals under 65 are run by states, and private insurance markets are regulated by states. States are on the front lines of health care delivery and financing. It is for this reason that CCHI focuses primarily on improving Colorado’s health care system. Exceptions to this rule typically are when a policy change at the local or national level will significantly impact Colorado and CCHI’s voice would make a difference in the debate. Taking Policy Positions CCHI is a coalition of consumer advocacy organizations and individual consumers. We are a membership-based organization and therefore it is our members who help determine the direction of the organization and the policy positions we take. Public Policy Committee The CCHI Public Policy Committee meets regularly to debate policies, make recommendations to the CCHI Board of Directors on policy positions, and to strategize what action should be taken. All members of CCHI are welcome at Public Policy Committee meetings and have a vote (one per organization) on policy recommendations. CCHI’s policy positions include strong support, support, neutral, oppose and strong oppose. A ‘strong’ position indicates that CCHI staff is directed by membership to actively lobby for or against a particular policy proposal. We operate by consensus – we only weigh in on policies upon which we can all agree. CCHI’s Health Care Bill List Members of CCHI have access to the CCHI bill list, where all state health care-related legislation is tracked on an ongoing basis by CCHI staff during legislative session (January to May every year). This is made available online on this website under the “Member Login.” For a listing of our current policy priorities, please visit our Policy Priorities page. For more information or to have CCHI's Public Policy Committee consider a bill position, please contact us at 303.839.1261. |
