Health

It???s time that Colorado prohibits health insurance carriers from considering claims history or health status when setting premium rates for small business, says Robin Baker, a senior policy analyst for the Bell Policy Center.

The Colorado Legislature and Gov. Bill Ritter worked together this year to pass dozens of bills that improve the state of opportunity for thousands of Coloradans, says Wade Buchanan, president of the Bell Policy Center. "The 2007 session will be remembered as a strong push for opportunity," Buchanan said. "Legislators worked hard to pass bills that prepare our kids to compete in the global economy and help families join and stay in the middle class."

HB 07-1301 will establish the Cervical Cancer Immunization Program to immunize girls and women against cervical cancer.

SB 059 creates the Smart Start nutrition program and fund to pay the costs of eliminating the copayment for those students who currently qualify for reduced-price breakfasts under the school breakfast program. This revised Opportunity Note reflects amendments to the bill.

Those who enjoy sound physical and mental health or are able to get adequate treatment when they need it are likely to be more productive, advance faster in their careers, earn higher incomes and enjoy a better quality of life throughout their adult years.

SB07-036 would require insurance companies doing business in Colorado to cover mental illness and mental disorders as they would physical illnesses. The bill would extend coverage to mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia and chemical dependency.

A message from Wade Buchanan, Bell Policy Center President, outlining the Bell's agenda for the coming year: to close the student achievement gap, make college affordable, expand health care coverage, help working families, counter misguided immigration reform and influence the policy debate in the 2006 election.

What does it mean that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed? What is opportunity? How is it generated and sustained in the 21st Century? In this 2005 opportunity report, we try to answer these questions. Based on what we found, we also recommend ways to expand opportunity for all in Colorado.

What does it mean that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed? What is opportunity? How is it generated and sustained in the 21st Century? In this 2005 opportunity report, we try to answer these questions. Based on what we found, we also recommend ways to expand opportunity for all in Colorado.

A healthy pregnancy leading to a healthy birth is the first gateway to a life of opportunity. A baby who is born healthy is likely to enjoy more opportunities in life than one not born healthy.