PCPCC Applauds Colorado and Vermont for Laws that will Measure and Increase Primary Care Investment
The Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) applauds Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Vermont Governor Phil Scott for signing into law legislation in their respective states that will enhance primary care services and payment.
The separate bills approved by each state’s legislature have a similar goal: strengthening primary care access and capability in ways that will benefit all patients. Both bills align with PCPCC’s advocacy efforts to increase primary care investment in order to realize the kind of care envisioned by the Shared Principles, care that improves population health and helps to curbs costs.
Colorado and Vermont are part of a growing movement among states—Oregon, Delaware, and Rhode Island have already enacted changes – and proposals are being considered in several other states to drive more resources into primary care services.
“PCPCC is excited to see Colorado and Vermont join the ranks of states that have made primary care investment a top priority, and we look forward to working with other state leaders on similar initiatives,” said Ann Greiner, PCPCC President and CEO. “The bills that Govs. Polis and Scott have signed into law will transform their healthcare systems in ways that will better provide high-value, relationship-based care that keeps people healthy instead of waiting until they get sick. We are committed to begin and continue work with more states on these vital issues and applaud the leadership shown by Colorado and Vermont.”
In Colorado, HB 19-1233, Investments in Primary Care to Reduce Health Costs sets targets for investment in primary care and establishes a state-run primary care payment reform collaborative.
“We were pleased to see a diverse set of stakeholders come together in Colorado to support strong primary care in our state,” said John Cawley, MD Colorado Academy of Family Physicians President. “The legislation that Governor Polis has signed into law demonstrates that ensuring access to affordable, quality primary care services is a bipartisan priority for all Coloradans, one that voters, clinicians, hospitals, health plans, and other interested parties agree on.”
In Vermont, S.53 will analyze spending with the intent of increasing the proportion of healthcare spending allocated to primary care.
“This is a significant step that builds on Vermont’s already extensive primary care infrastructure,” said Susan Barrett, Executive Director of the Green Mountain Care Board. “The legislation signed into law by Governor Scott aligns with the focus of the Green Mountain Care Board to increase access to primary care and reduce health care costs for all Vermonters.”
###
About the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative
Founded in 2006, the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) is a not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder membership organization dedicated to advancing an effective and efficient health system built on a strong foundation of primary care and the patient-centered medical home. Representing a broad group of public and private organizations, PCPCC’s mission is to unify and engage diverse stakeholders in promoting policies and sharing best practices that support growth of high-performing primary care and achieve the “Quadruple Aim:” better care, better health, lower costs, and greater joy for clinicians and staff in delivery of care.
