Published June 25, 2025 in the Gunnison Country Times
Gunnison County health care
Editor:
We are deeply concerned about the quality of the health care system in Gunnison County and the system in general. While we have a strong and caring county hospital in GVH, one that supports the community in many ways, recent threats to further weaken the affordability of and access to U.S. health care is a menace to all Americans.
We are devastated and feel helpless considering these threats which would involve the dismantling of our public health system, drastic cuts to our public insurers (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, and the VA) and the experience of the greed and power of private insurers. We have dreamed of a different health care system, one that is less costly, and which provides much more value to the patient and provider, a system that is equitable and much, much better for our country and community.
The Colorado legislature has passed bill SB 25-045 regarding the analysis of a reformed statewide health care payment system. This is an incredible opportunity to find out answers to questions about whether it would be feasible to conduct health care differently in Colorado. Could we have a system that would cover everyone, eliminate the ties of health insurance to employment and improve the patient-provider experience to focus on each person’s health problems and not on financial burdens or barriers to receiving healthcare?
All of us yearn for connected lives that provide peace and meaning. Universal health care is such a connection. What are we if we cannot dream of a more equal and healthy life together?
The new health care payment system may be financed by a variety of mechanisms, including transferring money from current Medicare, Medicaid and the VA system and by payment of premiums based on a sliding economic scale. For almost everyone, out of pocket health care expenses would be more affordable, with payment of premiums and elimination of other cost sharing (coinsurance, copays and deductibles).
No one would have to forego necessary care for financial reasons. The study would be done by the Colorado School of Public Health and would be financed by donations, gifts and grants and not from the state budget.
Health care is vital to the welfare of all people. When it is not available for financial reasons, economic, physical health and mental health harms ensue. Reach out to us and your legislators with stories, questions, ideas, and comments.
For more information visit couniversalhealth.org.
Laird Cagan, MD
Crested Butte
Marsha Thorson, MSPH
Crested Butte
