House Passage of Colorado Health Insurance Option a Step Forward for Small Businesses

"Colorado's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic hinges on the success of our small business community, and they need access to health coverage that makes sense for their bottom lines and ensures they and their workforce can stay healthy. This is why the Colorado Health Insurance Option (HB21-1232) is a commonsense solution for small business owners and employees alike who are struggling with the high cost of healthcare. 

Colorado small businesses already struggled pre-pandemic to afford health insurance for their employees and their families. And it’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the gaps that exist in our current health coverage market. Research from Small Business Majority found that more than 1 in 3 small businesses have struggled to access health insurance for themselves and their employees during the pandemic, and it’s been even more of a challenge for entrepreneurs of color. 

We have also heard extensively from small business owners across the state about how access to affordable benefits can directly benefit their businesses, particularly those in industries that face additional barriers to accessing affordable health coverage. Small businesses are supportive of this legislation because it would help lower their out-of-pocket costs and make it easier to access coverage. 

We applaud the House of Representatives for passing the Colorado Health Insurance Option today, and we urge the Senate to follow suit.”