As the 2024 legislative session unfolds in Colorado, there is a notable opportunity for our elected officials to address the concerns of constituents and present innovative solutions for the betterment of Coloradans. Despite promising initiatives, there is a disconcerting focus on outdated ideas, particularly the proposal to study a single-payer health care system in our state.

This proposal might strike a familiar chord with many Coloradans, given the similar universal health care study commissioned in 2019, which incurred a cost of more than $100,000. Now, legislators are advocating for a new study with an exorbitant price tag exceeding $418,929. Though studies may seem innocuous, they demand a significant financial commitment and substantial resources from state agencies. Given our existing budget challenges, it raises the question of whether our limited funds could be more effectively utilized to directly improve the lives of Coloradans, rather than investing in a proposal that may not materialize.

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This sentiment is especially pertinent when considering previous research suggesting a single-payer system, akin to what some lawmakers want to study, would surpass the entire current state budget. Furthermore, Colorado voters emphatically rejected the adoption of single-payer health care, with nearly 80% opposing a ballot initiative just a few years ago. Both Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns about the affordability and potential harm to medical care access and to the economy.

In response to this resounding rejection of single-payer, the state introduced the Colorado Option, a well-intentioned government-driven system that, unfortunately, falls short of expectations. Despite promises of increased affordability and options, the Colorado Option has failed to deliver, leaving consumers with fewer coverage choices.

Though we appreciate Gov. Jared Polis and Lieutenant Gov. Dianne Primavera’s commitment to making health care more affordable, it is crucial to address systemic issues within the health care system. With the Colorado Option already falling short of its promises, moving closer to a single-payer system won’t resolve existing problems.

I urge elected officials to focus on making realistic improvements to our health care system, which can have a direct and positive effect on the lives of lower-wealth individuals and marginalized communities. The proposed single-payer bill is fiscally irresponsible and unlikely to have a lasting beneficial impact on the health care of Colorado patients and families. Instead, working Coloradans like myself need the legislature to concentrate on enhancing existing successes and rectifying well-intended policies like the Colorado Option that have fallen short. By doing so, we can improve access to coverage and care for communities throughout our state, uplifting the financial empowerment and overall well-being of individuals while also steering us toward a healthier and more sustainable health care future.

Maya Wheeler is the former executive director of the African Chamber of Commerce in Colorado, and current executive director of the Wezesha Dada Center (WDC). The WDC brings women together and provides technical assistance, support referrals and resources to help women establish businesses, achieve financial independence and improve their overall well-being.