Resources

There are many organizations both here in Colorado as well as nationally who are studying and tracking health care reform. Certainly this page does not presume to capture them all. However, here are a few key organizations and their websites to help you in your search for more information. 

1.    National Healthcare Policy Resources

2.    Colorado Healthcare Policy Resources

3.    Colorado State Government (healthcare-related agencies, departments, divisions, boards and commissions)

National Healthcare Policy Resources

Kaiser Family Foundation (www.kff.org)

Statehealthfacts.org (www.statehealthfacts.org)

Center on Budget & Policy Priorities (www.cbpp.org) 

Community Catalyst (www.communitycatalyst.org)

Families USA (www.familiesusa.org)

Colorado Health Institute (www.coloradohealthinstitute.rg)

Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute (www.cclponline.org/ccs/about_CFPI.php)

The Bell Policy Center (www.thebell.org) 

Colorado State Legislature (www.leg.state.co.us)

In order to find healthcare-related legislation that is currently being debated at the Capitol, click on “Current Regular Session Information” from the homepage. From there click on “Search for a Bill” at the bottom of the session information page, and use key words such as health and healthcare to see what bills are being considered and where they are in the process.

Colorado Medical Services Board (www.chcpf.state.co.us/HCPF/msb/msbindex.asp)

The Board has the authority to adopt rules that govern the Colorado Medicaid program and the Child Health Plan Plus program and that are in compliance with federal regulations administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.  The Board also has authority over the medically indigent, adult foster care and home care allowance programs.

Colorado State Board of Health (www.cdphe.state.co.us/op/bh/index.html)

The primary duties of the nine-member State Board of Health, established by state law, are to adopt or revise standards, rules and regulations to administer the public health laws of the state. 

Colorado Blue Ribbon Commission for Healthcare Reform (www.colorado.gov/208commission)

The Commission (also known as the 208 Commission) was created to study and establish health care reform models for expanding coverage, especially for the underinsured and uninsured, and to decrease health care costs for Colorado residents. The Commission presented its final report and recommendations to the Colorado General Assembly on Jan. 31, 2008.   

Colorado Division of Insurance (www.dora.state.co.us/Insurance)

The Division regulates the insurance industry—both health and property & casualty insurance—and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues.

Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy & Financing (www.chcpf.state.co.us)

The Department administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for Colorado’s low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (www.cdphe.state.co.us)

The mission of the Department is to protect and improve the health of Colorado’s people and the quality of its environment. Regarding public health, the department maintains statewide health statistics and vital records; coordinates emergency preparedness and response plans; monitors health facilities; engages in statewide chronic disease prevention (arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic pulmonary disease); engages in statewide injury, suicide, and violence prevention; and coordinates statewide tobacco education and prevention. Regarding environmental health, the department oversees regulation of air pollution, hazardous materials and water quality. The department works closely with local public health and environmental agencies and partners.

CoverColorado (www.covercolorado.org)

CoverColorado is a quasi-governmental insurance program that provides coverage for Coloradans who cannot obtain health insurance on the open market.