488AD950D33F644987258B120020F292 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee resumed.

Senators Marchman and Jaquez Lewis, primary bill sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1075 which, requires the School of Public Health at the University of Colorado to acquire model legislation developed by a nonprofit to enact a universal single-payer healthcare system. By December 31, 2025, the school must produce a report on the model legislation that: analyzes costs;
· identifies potential revenue sources to cover the costs;
· analyzes connections to federal law;
· evaluated the feasibility of other models; and
· confirms that the legislation will have desired results.

CU may use an actuarial consultant and the newly created task force to help produce the report. The bill creates a task force under the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to assist the university in its report that will meet at least four times. The task force consists of representatives of the General Assembly, various state agencies, and members of various stakeholder groups. Non-legislative members of the task force serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses.

Dr. Leah Schulz, representing Colorado Dental Association, testified in support of the bill.

Angelique Espinoza, representing Good Business Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Guinn Unger, representing Colorado Healthcare Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Gregory Tung, representing Colorado School of Public Health, was available to answer questions.

Ms. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Meghan Dollar, representing Colorado Chamber of Commerce, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Brandon Arnold, representing Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Kelly Campbell, representing American Health Insurance Plans, testified in opposition to the bill.

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.