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Although Colorado yesterday failed to pass Amendment 69, the ballot initiative that would have established a universal healthcare system in the state, the legislation reflected dissatisfaction with the existing healthcare market and is still likely to have a lasting impact nationwide, industry experts say.
“We don’t get involved in state issues, but we don’t consider this a state issue. We very much consider this a national issue,” says Joel Kopperud, vice president of government affairs at the Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, which opposed the amendment, dubbed ColoradoCare.
“If you look at what’s happened with marijuana, Colorado seems to be a leader in a lot of social experiments. … Marijuana is on the ballot in five states in November and that’s because of Colorado’s experience,” he added. “The marijuana industry is blowing up. It’s a wave and it’s taking over and there’s a lot of anxiety in the healthcare industry that that could happen with single payer.”
Indeed, when Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) spoke at a Boulder, Colo., rally in support of Amendment 69 in October, he emphasized the potential national implications of the amendment passing. “Colorado can send a shot that will be heard all over this country and all over the world,” he said at the time. “Because if you can pass ColoradoCare, then I guarantee you states all over this country will be following in your footsteps.”
Had Amendment 69 passed, it would have established statewide universal healthcare for all Colorado residents, funded by...