Guest Columnist – Colorado Deserves Protection from the Sabotage of Public Health

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by our guest columnists do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of this publication.

By Mannat Singh,

President of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

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This week, Colorado families received devastating news: health insurance premiums on the individual market will rise by an average of 101% in 2026. Behind this crisis lies a clear culprit: the so-called “Big Ugly Bill” pushed by former President Trump and Congress’s failure to extend the premium tax credits, which are essential to keeping coverage affordable for thousands of state residents.

OPINION | Mannat Singh, President of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

Let’s be clear: this increase is not the result of natural market forces or inefficiencies in state programs. It is a direct and deliberate consequence of federal policies that weakened Medicaid, altered the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and set an expiration date for the tax credits that help working families. All of this was done to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest and for large corporations.

Colorado Deserves Protection from the Sabotage of Public Health

Today, the consequences are clear. More than 80,000 Coloradans could lose access to affordable health insurance. Many families will be forced to choose between paying for their policy or paying their rent. Small businesses will struggle even more to offer benefits to their employees. This is not fiscal responsibility; it is moral negligence.

State leadership acted swiftly in August by approving HB25B-1006, which expanded state premium assistance and reinsurance programs. These measures helped partially mitigate the impact of the increases, but the state cannot fully make up for the damage caused in Washington. When Congress fails to act, Coloradans are the ones who pay the price.

Colorado Deserves Protection from the Sabotage of Public Health

Some members of our congressional delegation, including Representatives Jeff Hurd and Gabe Evans, voted in favor of the bill that dismantled the very protections we now so urgently need. They knew what was coming. They were warned by advocates, economists, and their own constituents. Yet they chose to prioritize corporate interests over the health of Colorado families.

We cannot accept this as the new normal. Every family deserves the peace of mind of knowing they can visit a doctor, fill a prescription, and pay for their care when needed. Congress must act urgently to restore and extend the premium tax credits. These supports have proven to reduce costs and expand access — exactly what our healthcare system needs.

The open enrollment period for 2025 begins on November 1. Residents can visit connectforhealthco.com for free assistance with enrollment. But they must also make their voices heard. This crisis is the product of political choices — and it can only be solved with better ones.

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