Editor:

The decertification of Colorado HealthOP is a tragic loss for the Colorado Insurance Marketplace, the nearly 83,000 members of the co-op, and for all Coloradans concerned with accessible, affordable, quality health care. The ColoradoHealthOP’s non-profit, consumer-oriented health insurance model offered thousands of hard working Coloradans lower health care costs and consumer-based values.

The Affordable Care Act helped cover hundreds of thousands of previously uninsured Coloradans, but the financial barriers and restrictions it placed on co-ops made it seem almost impossible that any could succeed. And yet, ColoradoHealthOP did — until the final undermining moment.

The decertification demonstrates the behind-the-scenes activity of power-mongers who were able to bring co-ops down and save the insurance industry from successful competition. With the elimination of a low-cost insurer, profit-oriented insurance corporations can be expected to begin raising prices. The rigged deck in favor of corporate profits paired with the increased vulnerability of middle-class Coloradans underscores the need for ColoradoCare, a universal health solution for all Coloradans.

Coloradans deserve a stable, sustainable system not dependent on the whims of government, and Colorado has created such a system that takes Washington politics out of Colorado health care. ColoradoCare would cover every Coloradan, and therefore, has an enviable risk pool of 5.2 million people instead of some 83,000. Because ColoradoCare is universal, it also saves at least $4.5 billion each year over the current system by eliminating middlemen insurance companies and their high administrative costs. Additionally, $2 billion is set aside and available to put into reserves each year, ensuring consistency and dependability.

On Friday, Oct. 23, this landmark healthcare system will be offered to voters when ColoradoCare delivers petitions including well over 100,000 signatures from Coloradans eager for the chance to vote on universal health care on the 2016 ballot. The 9:30 a.m. celebration that follows in the Greek Amphitheater in Civic Center Park marks a critical turning point as Colorado leads the way, taking the initiative to provide all its residents with top-tier, affordable, accessible health care.

Coloradans deserve ColoradoCare.

Owen PerkinsDenver