Dive Brief:
- Supporters of a single-payer healthcare system for Colorado, dubbed ColoradoCare, have submitted 156,107 signatures to get the measure on the state's November 2016 ballot--more than the 98,492 signatures required.
- If the signatures are verified and the measure qualifies for the ballot, Colorado will take the national spotlight in the debate around universal healthcare coverage.
- The program would cost an estimated $25 billion, which would be funded by a 10% payroll tax increase.
Dive Insight:
While the pricetag is an issue, the concept could appeal to people across the political spectrum, supporters say, because it would provide healthcare and allow Colorado to opt out of the Affordable Care Act.
“For some people, I say, ‘It gets us out of Obamacare,’ and some people cheer,” T.R. Reid, a spokesman for ColoradoCareYES, was quoted by The Washington Times. “It’s a purple state, and we have this purple plan that can appeal to both sides.”
At the same time, some conservatives were quick to argue otherwise. “‘Affordable’ care just got more expensive in Colorado,” the Colorado Senate GOP wrote on Twitter.
The uncertain state of Colorado's insurance exchange could play into the debate, as some would also prefer not to join the federal ACA exchange.