An article from the Grand Junction Sentinel indicates that Colorado Western Slope businesses agree that we should have a mandate that all Colorado residents obtain some form of health insurance, but not surprisingly the majority of them do not want a mandate that forces businesses to provide health insurance for their employees. The Blue Ribbon Commission for health care reform in Colorado has recommended a mandate for health insurance coverage, but not necessarily coverage that is tied to employment. And it should come as no surprise that business owners on the western slope – just like business owners all over Colorado – are not excited about the idea of being required to provide employees with health insurance. Most business owners want to provide coverage for their employees, but when a policy can easily run $500/month for an employee and $1000/month for a family, a lot of businesses are just not able to afford the cost.
I don’t think that health insurance should be tied to employment. It shouldn’t depend on what you do or where you live. And a mandate that employers provide health insurance would put too much of the health insurance burden on small businesses and entrepreneurs. Instead, I’m in favor of tax-funded subsidies for health insurance premiums, and health insurance for all Colorado residents, regardless of where they work.
Thanks to Colorado Pols for bringing the Grand Junction article to our attention.
