State of Working Colorado: Health insurance coverage over time – Public insurance fills the gap

Private health insurance coverage in Colorado has declined over the decade. Yet, the overall uninsurance rate has remained fairly stable despite a massive recession beginning in late 2007. The key to that stability is public health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) program. Those programs have filled the gap created by declining private health insurance. The fact that uninsurance rates in Colorado actually declined modestly amid the worst recession since the Great Depression is a testament to the effectiveness of our public insurance programs. As unemployment rates increased, more Coloradoans turned to public programs for health insurance.

For more insights, including detailed policy recommendations for enhancing economic security for all Coloradans, check out the State of Working Colorado 2010.