Colorado’s nearly 200 school districts, plus cities, counties and other local governments, could save more than $542 million in taxpayer money, if state voters approve Amendment 69, in this fall’s election.

Information gathered by backers of the amendment – which would create the $25 billion nonprofit ColoradoCare statewide universal health care program to replace current private and employer-provided health care – does not include every governing entity. For example, 38 percent of the nearly 200 school districts in Colorado provided their health care costs, which total $167 million.

ColoradoCare spokesman Owen Perkins said he believes the savings in the sample can confidently apply to all school districts in the state. The typical savings for school districts should be just over 39 percent, Perkins said.

And such savings could come at a needed time.

Denver schools savings less than others

However, the Denver D-1 School District, or Denver Public Schools, seemed to be in line for less savings compared to other districts with comparable payrolls and budgets. Perkins said that may be – at least in part -because the district provides flex spending to its employees. Some of that money is used for health care by employees, but not all.

“So their numbers are kind of unusual and don’t seem to be in sync,” Perkins said.

According to ColoradoCare figures, Denver Public Schools could save nearly $5.5 million annually (11.4 percent) on employee health insurance if voters approve Amendment 69.

In comparison, Douglas County RE-1 School District would save more than $30 million per year (56 percent) in health care costs through ColoradoCare, Jefferson County R-1 would save $14.2 million annually (24.8 percent), Cherry Creek D-5 would save $10.7 million annually (30 percent) and Littleton District 6 would save $8.1 million a year (55.2 percent).

Officials with Denver Public Schools were not immediately available for comment and explanation.

ColoradoCare asked Colorado school districts how much they pay for employee health insurance premiums, along with the medical portion of workers compensation premiums, then compared that to the 6.67 percent of payroll each district would pay under ColoradoCare. The program would also be funded by a 3.33 employee tax on paychecks. ColoradoCare would pay for comprehensive health care without deductibles, co-insurance, or networks.

Perkins also noted the cost savings in cities and counties reached as high as 80 percent, with most in the 40-50 percent range.

Backers claim ColoradoCare will save money for over 80 percent of Coloradans by eliminating the need to spend more than $30 billion on health insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance. ColoradoCare will pay providers directly, saving $4.5 billion statewide just in its first year.

– mike@coloradostatesman.com