Health care reform bills introduced

Two bills have been introduced in the Colorado State Legislature regarding health care reform.

Rep. John Kefalas, D-Fort Collins, is the sponsor of House Bill 1273, a bill that would set up a privately funded commission to study how a government-funded health care system could work in Colorado. If the commission finds such a system is feasible, Kefalas said, the goal is to introduce a universal health-care bill in the 2011 legislative session.

HB 1273 has been assigned to the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and a committee hearing on the bill is scheduled for March 4, 1:30 p.m.

Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial, is the sponsor of HB 1143, which passed in the House of Representatives on Feb. 10. It is now in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. HB 1143 would allow insurance companies to provide a basic benefits plan for a low monthly premium. The plan is designed for working-class employees who otherwise can't afford health insurance.

No hearing date has been set for HB 1143 in the Senate committee. Swalm is an insurance broker specializing in employee benefit programs.