Our Work
It’s hard to escape partisan political rhetoric these days, and the Colorado legislature — despite being hailed for its “purple” nature and ability to compromise — won’t be a refuge in 2018.
The dawn of the 2018 legislation session brings a mix of optimism and skepticism. Legislators want to make progress on fighting Colorado’s substance use epidemic, but political obstacles might stand in the way for other priorities.
Colorado’s retail marijuana industry – the first in the nation to open its doors – has always been in the spotlight. That spotlight got a little brighter Thursday thanks to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Who could have predicted this year, really?
Here at the Colorado Health Institute, we expected that the new Trump administration, combined with Republican majorities in the House and Senate, would bring a swift end to the Affordable Care Act.
But we’re closing in on the 2017 finish line, and the ACA is still limping along. That’s a surprise. It’s also surprising that the ACA’s individual mandate was killed in the tax reform bill. We didn’t see that one coming until just before it happened.
With our largest-ever Hot Issues in Health conference now behind us, CHI staff have been mulling over the amazing insights our attendees always offer.
2017’s Hot Issues in Health conference confronted divides and sought to bridge the gaps. We talked about everything from the managed care model for Medicaid and behavioral health integration to the role of competition and what you — as a health care consumer and policymaker — can do when navigating an overwhelming and expensive health care system.
We are live blogging this year's Hot Issues in Health conference, bringing you the latest from what has become Colorado's leading health policy gathering. There's so much to talk about this year. We're excited to share the big ideas, the conversations, the questions and the concerns. Check back often, beginning tomorrow morning, bright and early!
12:30 a.m. Friday:
Earlier this month, Ohio voters considered a ballot initiative aimed at controlling the escalating spending on prescription drugs. It’s a concern felt in every state, including Colorado, and consumers and policymakers are desperately searching for a solution.
The Ohio proposal would require the state’s government, including its Medicaid agency, to pay no more than what the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays for prescription drugs. By federal law, the VA receives a 24 percent discount on drug prices.
They may be poor or live alone. Their sight may be failing, or they may have trouble remembering what day it is. Some will need assisted living; others will spend their golden years in their own homes and neighborhoods.
The stunning growth of Colorado’s 65-plus population is well underway. By 2050 there will be twice as many seniors as there are today, with implications for the state’s economy, infrastructure, workforce, health care and more.
No county will be unaffected by this demographic shift. But not all will be impacted equally.
Colorado is getting older. By 2050, there will be twice as many seniors as there are today, a demographic sea change that will impact Colorado’s economy, its infrastructure, the age and skills of its workforce, and the social landscape.