Where from Here? Analyzing the 2012 Election and Health Policy in Colorado
It’s over!
Years of campaigning. Six billion dollars in campaign spending. Three presidential, one vice-presidential and dozens of Republican primary debates. One million political ads—and as a swing state, we certainly heard more than our fair share.
What did we learn?
First, elections matter. For the first time since its passage in 2010, the ACA’s future is almost certain. The largest piece of social policy in a generation is still the law of the land, and now instead of focusing on whether the ACA will survive, the discussion turns to how it will be implemented in Colorado.
Second, while the election answered some questions, it introduced new ones. CHI’s latest publication profiles the six most pressing post-election questions facing Colorado health leaders:
- Will Colorado participate in the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
- Will Colorado health care programs fall off the “fiscal cliff?”
- How will uninsured Coloradans respond to the requirement to purchase health insurance?
- How will Colorado employers respond to the requirement to provide affordable health insurance to their employees?
- Will pending Colorado health care reform projects get funding and approval?
- Who will set the health and health care agenda for the 2013 legislative session?
Recently, much of the health community has been in a holding pattern awaiting Tuesday’s results. CHI anticipates the next few months will be characterized by a flood of activity as Colorado - and states across the country - turn their focus to implementation of the national health law.
It’s an exciting time to be in health policy in Colorado. Stay tuned.