Who We Are

We're a nonpartisan, Colorado-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating a sustainable health care system that does not unfairly burden employers. Nearly 60 percent of Coloradans obtain health coverage through an employer. Therefore, it is critical employers are at the table when it comes to reforming the health care system. We believe positive change will result when employers voice their opinions and are fully engaged.

Our Mission

Moving employers to lead the creation of a sustainable health care system.

Core Values

Employer Involvement - We care about Colorado employers. We highly value employer involvement and believe the voice of employers is essential for Colorado and the nation to reach a sustainable health care system.

Sustainable Change - We believe that sustainable change that balances the concerns of employers and the community at large can happen.

Practical Solutions - We believe in finding practical solutions for employer needs regarding health care. We are action-oriented and believe in timely solutions.

Why We're Here

Health care is one of the most important issues affecting Colorado employers. A statistically valid survey of Colorado employers revealed that health care is the most important issue affecting Colorado businesses as a whole. Forty-six percent of all businesses said that issues and costs surrounding health care are affecting their business negatively. Specifically, the cost of health insurance is the greatest concern for business owners followed by lost productivity due to health issues and the quality of health care delivery. Three out of every four businesses said that the cost of health insurance was most important to them.

Colorado employers want to make health care a high priority. Only three percent of Colorado businesses want to place low emphasis on becoming involved in health care policy, and more than half (61 percent) feel that this is a high priority.

Employers feel a shared responsibility in providing health care to employees. Although some employers would like less involvement in health care, Colorado employers recognize and value the fact that they play an active role in providing health insurance to their employees. Colorado employers view this as a shared responsibility between the employer and the employee.

Colorado employers are getting accustomed to making short-term plans for a long-term problem. Employers reported that they are getting used to changing health care providers, paying more out of pocket expenses, increasing deductibles, or cutting benefits as a way of dealing with rising and unpredictable health care costs. One business owner noted in response to increasing health care premiums, "Whatever decision you make, it's short-term." Most other employers agreed that they too have learned to react to health care issues, rather than find proactive solutions for them.

Businesses want a voice. Eighty five percent of Colorado businesses feel they should have a voice in the cost of health insurance, and more than half of all businesses also feel that they should have a voice in the design of health care benefits, the lack of options for the small business market, and the quality of health care delivery. Ensuring access to care was also important to business owners, because many agreed that poor access reflects poorly on their business.