Following reports from the Associated Press that Colorado HealthOP—Colorado’s largest nonprofit health insurer—is closing, nearly 83,000 Coloradans will be forced to find a new insurer for 2016.
This is a stark contrast to what Michael Bennet sold Coloradans in 2009 when the ill-conceived healthcare bill was still being debated, “We should begin with a basic principle: if you have coverage and you like it, you can keep it…We will not take those choices away from you.”
…and then they did just that.
“The disastrous effects of Obamacare continue to take a devastating toll on Americans across the nation. Michael Bennet should feel personally responsible for the nearly 83,000 Coloradans who will be left struggling to establish new healthcare because of his misguided and loyal support for Obamacare.” – Alleigh Marré, NRSC National Press Secretary.
BACKGROUND:
BENNET: “We Should Begin With A Basic Principle: If You Have Coverage And You Like It, You Can Keep It. We Will Not Take That Choice Away From You.” BENNET: “We should begin with a basic principle: if you have coverage and you like it, you can keep it. If you have your doctor, and you like him or her, you should be able to keep them, as well. We will not take those choices away from you.” (Sen. Michael Bennet, Congressional Record, 6/11/09, p. S6488)
In April 2013, Michael Bennet Touted Colorado HealthOP As “A Unique, Consumer-Driven Solution” And Said “Greater Access To New Options Will Help Individuals, Families And Employers Choose Plans That Better Suit Their Specific Needs.” “‘Colorado HealthOP is a unique, consumer-driven solution,” said U.S. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. “Increased competition in the health insurance marketplace – particularly as the marketplace comes online in October – can only benefit Colorado. Greater access to new options will help individuals, families and employers choose plans that better suit their specific needs.’” (Colorado HealthOP, “Colorado HealthOP Approved To Offer Consumer Operated And Oriented Health Insurance Beginning October 1,” Press Release, 4/29/13)