Access to quality health care is surely at or near the top of most families' lists. Unfortunately, our state's current health care system does not work as well as it could or should for all Coloradans. Democrats want to change that, by improving coverage for critical medical services and by providing patients and their families with the information they need to exercise their rights and to choose the health plan that works best for them. It is essential that consumers have the information they need to make the best health care decisions possible. In addition, a summary of quality data collected by the state or the carrier, including data on satisfaction of plan members, should be made available to the general public in a timely and readily accessible manner.
Guarantee patients access to their medical records and protect their confidentiality.
Democrats believe that Coloradans ought to be able to control their own medical information. That means not only ensuring patients' access to their records but also preserving their privacy. Create an ombuds program. Coloradans deserve help in understanding their health insurance options and in exercising their rights. Democrats support the creation of an independent ombuds program to assist patients and their families.