CHP+

Now that the legislative session has wrapped up, every piece of passed legislation is in Governor Hickenlooper's hands. He has until June 10 to veto, sign or ignore legislation, in which case it automatically becomes law. This period should provide some interesting insight into the Guv, and will set the tone for next year's session.

May 16, 2011

The Honorable John Hickenlooper
Governor of Colorado
State Capitol Building, Room 136
Denver, Colorado 80203

Dear Gov. Hickenlooper,

I am writing to ask you to veto Senate Bill 213, which would establish a monthly enrollment fee for children in the Children's Basic Health Plan. This bill will impose an unacceptable burden on low-income families while saving the state little, if any, money.

The General Assembly is considering a bill that will impose a new monthly fee on some families with children in the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), an insurance program for children in low-income families. It is part of a package of bills to balance the state's budget and is likely to be heard by the House of Representatives tomorrow. There is a chance to stop this bill if your state representative hears from you in the next 24 hours.

The next governor and legislature should look for opportunities to streamline the way health care is organized, delivered and financed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire health care system. Colorado should also increase its outreach and public awareness campaigns to make sure more people who are eligible for Medicaid or the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) actually enroll.

The next governor and legislature should thoroughly review eligibility levels and reimbursement rates for Colorado???s health care programs to ensure more families benefit from health programs as they work toward self-sufficiency.