The board of the largest physicians organization in Colorado voted Friday to oppose Amendment 69, also known as ColoradoCare, and will stay neutral on a measure that would allow medically-assisted death.
If voters approve Amendment 69, the state constitution would change to create a tax-funded cooperative to provide healthcare for all the state’s residents, replacing most private insurance. Consumers would make co-payments, but would no longer have premiums and deductibles.
An independent analysis by the Colorado Health Institute says ColoradoCare would run into revenue shortfalls.
The Colorado Medical Society's board said while there are many problems with the current system, the “complexity, uncertainty and approach” behind the proposal “may make things worse.”
Since the Affordable Care Act -- also known as Obamacare -- launched, nearly 400,000 uninsured Coloradans have signed up for coverage. The uninsured rate has been cut in half, and those with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage.
Neutral On Medically Assisted Death
The Colorado Medical Society's board also voted to stay neutral on medically-assisted death, or Proposition 106.
If the initiative passes, doctors would be allowed to prescribe a fatal dose of medication for a patient with a diagnosis of six months or less to live. The patient would have to request the medication while still mentally competent and be able to take the medication on their own.
Five other states currently allow some type of medical assistance in dying. This measure is based on Oregon’s law.
Most Coloradans will receive their ballots by mail in mid-October.
