Achieving universal access to health care in Colorado is vital and a goal shared by policymakers, hospitals, providers, advocates, insurance carriers, business groups and, most importantly, Coloradans. Historically, one driver of high costs was that health care providers had to recoup losses from uncompensated care and underpayment by public programs, like Medicaid, by charging other people higher prices. They did that by cost shifting: increasing...

The 2019 CHAS sheds new light on the health of Coloradans and the stories behind the statistics. While there has been little change in the state's uninsured rate, Colorado has lost ground on affordability of insurance and coverage for children. New analysis shows many Coloradans are struggling to afford housing, food, and medical care, all of which can affect health. This all points to work that must be done to secure the gains of the past decade...

The COVID-19 pandemic brought more than a novel and dangerous virus to Colorado. The 2021 Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS) documents historic shifts in health, access to care, and social and economic conditions. More people than ever before reported economic conditions. More people than ever before reported challenges with their mental health, especially young adults. Fewer people went to the doctor. Many Coloradans lost their job-based insurance,...