A new analysis from CHI answers the question "How many additional primary care providers will Colorado need to care for the residents who become insured after federal health care reform?"

In Colorado, implementing health reform means insuring an additional 510,000 residents and providing care for them in a system that is already stretched thin in many areas of the state. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions. About 130,000 of the newly insured will be enrolled in the federal-state Medicaid insurance program while another 380,000 will be required to purchase private insurance, some with government financial assistance.

Conventional thinking has pointed to an overwhelming need for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the wake of health reform. CHI’s findings, however, suggest a more manageable number.

Below you will find several resources: a combination publication and planning guide, which includes CHI's analysis (background, methods, findings, etc.) and regional profiles of data based on the states 21 Health Statistics Regions; the planning guide broken out for easier use; a map of the newly insured in Colorado; and a table with data for all Colorado counties.

Publication: A Half Million Newly Insured: Is Colorado Ready? An Analysis of Primary Care Workforce Needs After Health Care Reform

2-Page Summary

Planning Guide

Map of the Newly Insured in 2016

Data Table by County (increased visits and provider estimates)

PowerPoint Presentation