Rocky Article Says Majority Dems Will Push Insurance Reforms

An article in today's Rocky Mountain News says that the General Assembly's majority Democrats will push a series of bills aimed at reforming insurance industry practices in the state.

The article by the Rocky's Ed Sealover says that Democrats want to:

1. Reinstate Colorado's no-fault auto insurance system, which was jettisoned in 2002;

2. Require health insurers to cover more preventive care services;

3. Forbid the practice of charging women higher health insurance premiums than men; and

4. Raise the maximum age of children of policyholders for whom insurers must make available coverage in exchange for payment of an additional premium.

The article quotes GOP House caucus chair Amy Stephens of Monument as saying her party will oppose at least some of the bills on grounds that they might raise premiums and encourage insurance companies to reduce operations in the state.

Several bills incorporating the proposals have already been introduced.