Highlights and News Archive

Semro urges transparency on hospital costs, potential aid

Bob Semro, the Bell's health care policy analyst, submitted testimony Thursday in favor of Senate Bill 134, a proposal regarding hospitals and increased transparency of costs of treatment and availability of financial aid for low-income patients who are uninsured.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 134, is sponsored by Sen. Irene Aguilar. After testimony on Thursday, the bill was held over for further discussion and potential amendments.

In his testimony, Semro said the proposal:

Stephan testifies in favor of 'poverty impact statements'

Lizzy Stephan, a Colorado College fellow at the Bell, testified today in favor of a bill allowing lawmakers to consider how proposed legislation would impact poverty in Colorado.

Stephan said the proposal, House Bill 12-1138, will "build consideration of the potential impact on poverty into the policymaking process." Under the legislation, lawmakers could request "poverty impact statements" on a limited number of bills.

Semro to counter Suthers on constitutionality of mandate

Robert Semro, the Bell's health care policy analyst, will explain why the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act is constitutional in a presentation from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday at the Anschutz Medical Campus (Room P26-1300, Education I building).

Bell opposes SB 85, rollbacks for Medicaid reforms

Policy analyst Robert Semro, the Bell's specialist in health issues, presented testimony against a bill that would roll back many Medicaid expansions and reforms.

Semro said that Senate Bill 85 would harm vulnerable Colorado residents, but it would also cause great harm to the state. Rollbacks under Senate Bill 85 would put almost $100 million of federal funding at risk. Also, several of the rollbacks would no sooner be put in place than they would have to be restored to conform with the Affordable Care Act.

Bell testifies for greater accountability on tax exemptions

Rich Jones, director of policy and research at the Bell, testified on Wednesday in favor of House Bill 12-1039, a proposal to add some scrutiny and accountability when Colorado grants tax credits and exemptions.

The bill would have required, before any exemptions or credits are granted or expanded, that lawmakers show how they would be paid for with offsetting budget cuts or increases in revenues.

Jones' testimony said, in part:

Straight talk on health care reform: Closing 'donut hole'

Prescription drugs are a big part of the monthly budget for many seniors on Medicare, and provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are working to lower those costs.

Semro testifies on health workforce data, PACE bill

Bob Semro, the Bell's health policy analyst, testified in favor of two bills on Thursday.

House Bill 1052 would use the licensing process to gather health care workforce data. This method would be efficient and cost-effective, and with this data, Colorado will be better able to plan for future health care needs and to successful public policies. Rep. Ken Summers and Sens. Betty Boyd and Ellen Roberts are sponsoring the bill.