Comprehensive Health Care Reform Principles

Universal
All Colorado residents should have access to quality, affordable health care coverage. Colorado's health care system should address non-residents who become ill in Colorado.

Wellness and Health Promotion
Government, businesses and individuals all have a role to play in the promotion and support of healthy lifestyles.

Personal Responsibility
Consumers should make reasonable efforts to ensure they finance their health care needs and take an active role in their health maintenance.

Transparency
Accurate, user friendly information on price, quality and outcomes should
be made accessible to the public.

Health Information Technology
Greater use of health information technology is necessary to achieve gains in quality, outcomes and efficiencies.

Competitive Market
Competitive market forces should be included in our health care system because they can play a positive role.

Coordinated Care
Optimal health and cost efficiencies are achieved through the coordination of care, the use of preventive services and the management of chronic disease.

Choice
Providing a plurality of options of providers, insurers, plans, benefit designs and financing for individuals and groups is important in health care reform.

Regulatory Controls
Regulatory controls should ensure consumer protection and maintain a healthy marketplace.

Provider Reimbursement
Health care providers should be fairly compensated for their services, and in return, providers should ensure that services delivered maximize quality, safe and effective care.

Public Programs
Government should have a role in facilitating or providing access to
health care. Public health and environmental policy should play a meaningful role in ensuring and protecting the good health of our population.

Long-term Care
Long-term care must be addressed in any health care reform effort. Coloradans should have a quality, affordable choice to live independently in one's own home or community.

End of Life Care
Colorado should address the difficult issues surrounding end of life care.

(A pamphlet of our principles is attached.  Please download and use as a tool when discussing comprehensive health care reform.)