Colorado Governor Pushes for Public Health-Care Option

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) called for lawmakers to implement a public health-care option and to require prescription drug transparency, setting up a battle to play out during the 2020 legislative session.

The public health-care option will “increase freedom and choice in the health-care marketplace” and ultimately save state residents an additional 9% to 18% on their individual health-care premiums, said Polis, addressing lawmakers Jan. 9 in his State of the State address.

“When you have more choices as a consumer, insurance companies have to compete for your business, which means lower prices,” he said.

Lawmakers passed a bill in ...