November 22, 2002
Phil Nash, Rose Community Foundation 303.398.7444

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Coloradans Worried about Health Care Costs,
Want Government Action


In an important new statewide survey, Colorado voters say they are paying more for health care coverage, and are worried about rising insurance and health care costs—and they want the government to do something about it.

The Hot Issues in Health Care poll, conducted by Ciruli Associates, queried 1,010 registered Colorado voters regarding health-care costs, insurance coverage and health-policy issues. Hot Issues In Health Care, an initiative of Rose Community Foundation, is an objective nonpartisan information resource for Colorado policymakers. The survey, conducted November 11-18, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent.

Ciruli presented results at the Hot Issues In Health Care 2nd Biennial Health Policy Conference held November 24 and 25 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. The conference was attended by more than 85 Colorado legislators and policymakers, and featured educational presentations by experts in the health-policy arena. The results of the poll will be used to assist Colorado’s health-care law and policy.

Voters are clear in their message that while they are satisfied with the health care they receive, insurance coverage is too expensive, and access to care is a growing concern.

“Voters want the governor and legislature to focus on these issues and provide some relief,” says pollster Floyd Ciruli. “The affordability of health coverage has become a priority concern for voters.”

Coloradans are becoming sensitive to rising health insurance and health-care costs. Sixty-six percent of those surveyed say they are paying more for insurance: In the last 12 months, 38 percent say premiums have risen “a lot” and 28 percent say they’ve risen “a little.” Fifty-three percent report higher co-payments, and 40 percent report higher deductibles.

Although voters are sympathetic to people without insurance, they are not willing to pay higher taxes to fund a universal program, or purchase coverage for everyone. Voters understand that the cost of health care for the uninsured, ultimately, is shifted to everyone through higher insurance premiums and overall higher health-care costs. Voters want another method of funding the uninsured.

Eighty-eight percent of those surveyed agree or somewhat agree with the statement: “Nobody should be refused health-care services that they need just because they can’t afford to pay for it.” However, only 49 percent say they will pay more to help fund coverage for the uninsured. And of those, 50 percent say they are willing to pay very little ($1-$4 a month more).

Voters generally favor solutions that expand existing programs, such as more neighborhood clinics, and expanded Medicare and Medicaid. Voters also favor so-called sin taxes, such as $1 on a pack of cigarettes, or increasing the liquor tax. In addition, an increase in the sales tax of half a cent (five cents on $10), is “strongly favored” by 30 percent and “somewhat favored” by 36 percent.

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An Initiative of
www.rcfdenver.org
600 South Cherry Street, Suite 1200, Denver, Colorado 80246-1712
Tel 303-398-7400 • Fax 303-398-7430
www.hotissuesinhealthcare.org

Key Results | Poll Results >>

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