Yesterday, the New England Journal of Medicine published the abstract for a study in Oregon showing definitively that health insurance does not equate to good health.
A health study in Oregon? Who cares what happens in Oregon? It matters because Colorado Democratic Senator Irene Aguilar and her liberal buddies tried to pass universal healthcare in Colorado this legislative session under the guise that it would improve health in the state.
They were wrong, and Coloradans almost had to pay. A lot. $16 billion dollars to be exact. Here’s a quote from the study’s conclusion in the abstract:
This randomized, controlled study showed that Medicaid coverage generated no significant improvements in measured physical health outcomes in the first 2 years, but it did increase use of health care services, raise rates of diabetes detection and management, lower rates of depression, and reduce financial strain.
To be sure, these findings are helpful. Early diagnoses of diabetes, which leads to better disease management, is a good thing. Less financial burden on people for their healthcare, also a laudable goal. But, replacing “financial strain” from healthcare with an unimaginable $16 billion tax increase on families sounds like it would exacerbate the very problem it’s trying to solve. Further, could these problems be fixed for less than $16 billion? They probably could.
Next time Democrats in the Colorado House and Senate try to levy massive taxes on Colorado’s hardworking families, let’s make sure the solution actually solves the problem.
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